Combination, composition, and method of administering the combination or composition to animals

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a combination and/or composition for administration to animals. In some embodiments, the combination and/or composition can be administered to treat and/or prevent a disease in animals. In some embodiments, the combination and/or composition can be administered to promote animal health. In some embodiments, the combination comprises a composition comprising  Yucca schidigera, Quillaja saponaria,  and combinations thereof and a composition comprising an antimicrobial, an antibiotic, an anticoccidial, a vaccine, or combinations thereof. The combinations or compositions disclosed herein can also improve feed conversion rates in animals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/359,342, filed Nov. 22, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2015/032301, filed on May 22, 2015,which in turn claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/002,527, filed May 23, 2014; each ofthese prior applications are incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

This disclosure concerns embodiments of a combination and/or compositionfor administration to animals, as well as methods of making thecombination and/or composition and administering the same to animals.

BACKGROUND

Feed conversion rates or ratios (FCR) provide animal producers a methodfor monitoring the efficiency of raising animals. Estimating the amountof feed required per unit of body gain for animals provides the animalproducers the ability to effectively budget costs associated withraising the animals. Feed conversion rates also can be used to reducerisks associated with raising animals, such as feed shortfalls or waste,and can facilitate determining profit margins.

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract of animalscaused by coccidian protozoa of the genus Eimeria. The disease canspread amongst animals by contact with infected feces by means of aninfective form called the oocyst. Coccidiosis is a significant diseaseof certain animals, such as domestic fowl and livestock, as it canaffect animals at a very young age. It can be fatal or compromise animalhealth, thereby impairing the feed conversion rate of the animals. Thus,production, reproductive efficiency and animal health are adverselyaffected by coccidiosis. Diseases, such as coccidiosis, causesignificant economic losses in certain animal industries. Such diseasesalso can negatively affect the health of domesticated animals.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a combination comprising a firstcombination comprising yucca, quillaja, or both; and a secondcomposition comprising an antibiotic, an antimicrobial, an anticoccidialagent, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the combinationcomprises 200 ppm to 5,000 ppm of a first composition comprisingQuillaja saponaria, Yucca schidigera, or a combination thereof, and asecond composition comprising an antimicrobial, an antibiotic, ananticoccidial agent, or combinations thereof. The second composition maycomprise 10 ppm to 30 ppm Virginiamycin and/or 50 ppm to 70 ppmSalinomycin. In some embodiments, the first composition can comprise amixture of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera in a ratio rangingfrom 70:30 Quillaja saponaria:Yucca schidigera to 90:10 Quillajasaponaria:Yucca schidigera.

Embodiments of the combinations may also include a third compositioncomprising a vaccine, and in some embodiments, the vaccine is acomposition comprising oocysts derived from Eimeria acervulina, Eimeriamivati, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella, Eimeria mitis, Eimerianecatrix, Eimeria praecox, Eimeria brunetti, Eimeria hagani, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the first and second compositions, and optionallythe third composition, are admixed to form an admixed composition. Thecompositions may be mixed simultaneously or sequentially. The admixedcomposition may be further admixed with a feedstuff to form a feedstuffadmixture.

The combination may be formulated for administration to an avian. Insome embodiments, the combination is formulated for administration tochickens and turkey. In some other embodiments the combination isformulated for administration to animals other than chicken or turkeys.

The components of the admixed composition, the feedstuff admixture, orboth, may be sized, concentrated, or diluted to facilitate admixing,facilitate administration to an animal, or combinations thereof. Thecombination may further comprise a vitamin, a trace mineral, a bulkingagent, a carrier, a colorant, a taste enhancer, or any combinationthereof, and in some embodiments the combination further comprises corn,soybean meal, wheat, barley, rye, canola, corn oil, limestone, salt,distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), dicalcium phosphate,sodium sesquicarbonate, methionine source, lysine source, L-threonine,choline, or any combination thereof.

Also disclosed herein is a method, comprising administering thecomposition and/or combinations described herein. In some embodiments,the method further comprises administering a third compositioncomprising a coccidiosis vaccine comprising oocysts derived from Eimeriaacervulina, Eimeria mivati, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella, Eimeriamitis, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria praecox, Eimeria brunetti, Eimeriahagani, or combinations thereof. The first and second compositions, andthe third composition and/or feedstuff if present, may be administeredsubstantially simultaneously, or they may be administered sequentially,in any order.

Additionally disclosed is a method for making a combination, comprisingproviding a first composition comprising Quillaja saponaria, Yuccaschidigera, or both; providing a second composition comprising anantimicrobial agent, an antibiotic, an anticoccidial agent, or acombination thereof; and mixing the first composition and the secondcomposition. The method may further comprise admixing the combinationwith a feedstuff to form an admixed feedstuff. In some embodiments, themethod further comprises formulating the first and/or secondcompositions for mixture with the feedstuff to provide a substantiallyhomogeneous admixed feedstuff.

In certain embodiments, the method further comprises combining the firstcomposition, the second composition, or both with a third compositioncomprising a vaccine.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 is a graph of average weight (kg) and adjusted feed conversion ofbirds fed for 28 days with bird feed (Treatment Group 1), and bird feedcomprising 125 ppm of an embodiment of a composition according to thepresent disclosure (composition embodiment (Treatment Group 2), 250 ppmof the same composition embodiment (Treatment Group 3), 500 ppm of thesame composition embodiment (Treatment Group 4), and 2,500 ppm of thesame composition embodiment (Treatment Group 5).

FIG. 2 is a graph of average weight (kg) and adjusted feed conversionobtained from birds fed for 28-42 days with bird feed (Treatment Group1), and bird feed comprising 125 ppm of a composition embodiment(Treatment Group 2), 250 ppm of a composition embodiment (TreatmentGroup 3), 500 ppm of a composition embodiment (Treatment Group 4), and2,500 ppm of a composition embodiment (Treatment Group 5).

FIG. 3 is a graph of average weight (kg) and adjusted feed conversionobtained from birds fed for 42 days with bird feed (Treatment Group 1),and bird feed comprising 125 ppm of a composition embodiment (TreatmentGroup 2), 250 ppm of a composition embodiment (Treatment Group 3), 500ppm of a composition embodiment (Treatment Group 4), and 2,500 ppm of acomposition embodiment (Treatment Group 5).

FIG. 4 is a graph of bird weight gain (kg) illustrating results obtainedfrom feeding birds various different treatments of a compositionembodiment (0 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, and 250 ppm) and Virginiamycin (0ppm and 22 ppm), with the graph providing results obtained after 18 daysof feeding.

FIG. 5 is a graph of bird weight gain (kg) illustrating results obtainedfrom feeding birds various different treatments of a compositionembodiment (0 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, and 250 ppm) and Virginiamycin (0ppm and 22 ppm), with the graph providing results obtained after 18-32days of feeding.

FIG. 6 is a graph of bird weight gain (kg) illustrating results obtainedfrom feeding birds various different treatments of a compositionembodiment (0 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, and 250 ppm) and Virginiamycin (0ppm and 22 ppm), with the graph providing results obtained after 0-32days of feeding.

FIG. 7 is a graph of bird weight gain (kg) illustrating results obtainedfrom feeding birds various different treatments of a compositionembodiment (0 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, and 250 ppm) and Virginiamycin (0ppm and 22 ppm), with the graph providing results obtained after 32 daysof feeding.

FIG. 8 is a graph of bird weight gain (kg) illustrating results obtainedfrom feeding birds various different treatments of a compositionembodiment (0 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, and 250 ppm) and Virginiamycin (0ppm and 22 ppm), with the graph providing results obtained after 32-42days of feeding.

FIG. 9 is a graph of bird weight gain (kg) illustrating results obtainedfrom feeding birds various different treatments of a compositionembodiment (0 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, and 250 ppm) and Virginiamycin (0ppm and 22 ppm), with the graph providing results obtained after 0-42days of feeding.

FIG. 10 is a graph of bird weight gain (kg) illustrating resultsobtained from feeding birds various different treatments of acomposition embodiment (0 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, and 250 ppm) andVirginiamycin (0 ppm and 22 ppm), with the graph providing resultsobtained after 42 days of feeding.

FIG. 11 is a graph of feed conversion rates illustrating resultsobtained 18 days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feedcombinations comprising 0 ppm, 200 ppm, or 250 ppm of a compositionembodiment, and/or 0 ppm or 22 ppm Virginiamycin.

FIG. 12 is a graph of feed conversion rates illustrating resultsobtained 28 days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feedcombinations comprising 0 ppm, 200 ppm, or 250 ppm of a compositionembodiment, and/or 0 ppm or 22 ppm Virginiamycin.

FIG. 13 is a graph of feed conversion rates illustrating resultsobtained 42 days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feedcombinations comprising 0 ppm, 200 ppm, or 250 ppm of a compositionembodiment, and/or 0 ppm or 22 ppm Virginiamycin.

FIG. 14 is a graph of body weight gain illustrating results obtained 18days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feed combinationscomprising 0 ppm, 200 ppm, or 250 ppm of a composition embodiment,and/or 0 ppm or 22 ppm Virginiamycin.

FIG. 15 is a graph of body weight gain illustrating results obtained 28days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feed combinationscomprising 0 ppm, 200 ppm, or 250 ppm of a composition embodiment,and/or 0 ppm or 22 ppm Virginiamycin.

FIG. 16 is a graph of body weight gain illustrating results obtained 42days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feed combinationscomprising 0 ppm, 200 ppm, or 250 ppm of a composition embodiment,and/or 0 ppm or 22 ppm Virginiamycin.

FIG. 17 is a graph of oocysts per gram of feces illustrating resultsobtained 21 days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feedcombinations comprising 0 ppm, 200 ppm, or 250 ppm of a compositionembodiment, and/or 0 ppm or 22 ppm Virginiamycin.

FIG. 18 is a graph of lesion scores post challenge illustrating resultsobtained 21-28 days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feedcombinations comprising 0 ppm, 200 ppm, or 250 ppm of a compositionembodiment, and/or 0 ppm or 22 ppm Virginiamycin.

FIG. 19 is a graph of lesion scores post challenge illustrating resultsobtained 28 days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feedcombinations comprising 0 ppm, 200 ppm, or 250 ppm of a compositionembodiment, and/or 0 ppm or 22 ppm Virginiamycin, wherein the resultswere pooled across Virginiamycin levels.

FIG. 20 is a graph of adjusted feed conversion illustrating resultsobtained 18 days after feeding birds with different combinationscomprising a composition embodiment (0 ppm and 250 ppm) and/orSalinomycin (0 ppm and 66 ppm).

FIG. 21 is a graph of adjusted feed conversion illustrating resultsobtained 28 days after feeding birds with different combinationscomprising a composition embodiment (0 ppm and 250 ppm) and/orSalinomycin (0 ppm and 66 ppm).

FIG. 22 is a graph of adjusted feed conversion illustrating resultsobtained 42 days after feeding birds with different combinationscomprising a composition embodiment (0 ppm and 250 ppm) and/orSalinomycin (0 ppm and 66 ppm).

FIG. 23 is a graph of body weight gain illustrating results obtained 18days after feeding birds with different combinations comprising acomposition embodiment (0 ppm and 250 ppm) and/or Salinomycin (0 ppm and66 ppm).

FIG. 24 is a graph of body weight gain illustrating results obtained 28days after feeding birds with different combinations comprising acomposition embodiment (0 ppm and 250 ppm) and/or Salinomycin (0 ppm and66 ppm).

FIG. 25 is a graph of body weight gain illustrating results obtained 42days after feeding birds with different combinations comprising acomposition embodiment (0 ppm and 250 ppm) and/or Salinomycin (0 ppm and66 ppm).

FIG. 26 is a graph of oocysts per gram of feces illustrating resultsobtained 28 days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feedcombinations comprising a composition embodiment (0 ppm and 250 ppm)and/or Salinomycin (0 ppm and 66 ppm).

FIG. 27 is a graph of lesion scores post challenge illustrating resultsobtained 28 days after feeding vaccinated birds with different feedcombinations comprising 0 ppm, 200 ppm, or 250 ppm of a compositionembodiment and/or 0 ppm or 22 ppm Virginiamycin.

FIG. 28 is a graph of oocysts per gram of feces illustrating results onday 18 for birds fed (a) salinomycin and 250 mg of a compositionembodiment or (b) salinomycin alone.

FIG. 29 is a graph of oocysts per gram of feces illustrating results onday 28 for birds fed salinomycin and 250 mg of a composition embodimentfor days 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, and days 19-42.

FIG. 30 is a graph of adjusted feed conversion illustrating results onday 18 for birds fed salinomycin and 250 mg of a composition embodimentfor days 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, and days 19-42.

FIG. 31 is a graph of adjusted feed conversion illustrating results onday 28 for birds fed salinomycin and 250 mg of a composition embodimentfor days 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, and days 19-42.

FIG. 32 is a graph of adjusted feed conversion illustrating results onday 42 for birds fed salinomycin and 250 mg of a composition embodimentfor days 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, and days 19-42.

FIG. 33 is a graph of adjusted feed conversion illustrating results ondays 29-42 for birds fed salinomycin and 250 mg of a compositionembodiment for days 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, and days 19-42.

FIG. 34 is a graph of body weight gain (kg) illustrating results on day18 for birds fed salinomycin and 250 mg of a composition embodiment fordays 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, and days 19-42.

FIG. 35 is a graph of body weight gain (kg) illustrating results on day28 for birds fed salinomycin and 250 mg of a composition embodiment fordays 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, and days 19-42.

FIG. 36 is a graph of body weight gain (kg) illustrating results on day42 for birds fed salinomycin and 250 mg of a composition embodiment fordays 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, and days 19-42.

FIG. 37 is a graph of body weight gain (kg) illustrating results on days29-42 for birds fed salinomycin and 250 mg of a composition embodimentfor days 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, and days 19-42.

FIG. 38 is a graph of adjusted feed conversion illustrating the effectsof a composition embodiment on birds vaccinated with a coccidiosisvaccine at birth wherein the results illustrated are for birds that werenot fed the composition embodiment (left bar) and for birds that werefed the composition for different time periods (right bar); the resultswere measured at day 18.

FIG. 39 is a graph of adjusted feed conversion illustrating the effectsof a composition embodiment on birds vaccinated with a coccidiosisvaccine at birth wherein the results illustrated are for birds that werenot fed the composition embodiment (left bar) and for birds that werefed the composition for different time periods (right bar); the resultswere measured at day 28.

FIG. 40 is a graph of adjusted feed conversion illustrating results onday 42 for birds administered a coccidiosis vaccine and fed 0 mg or 250mg of a composition embodiment for days 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, anddays 19-42.

FIG. 41 is a graph of body weight gain illustrating the effects of acomposition embodiment on birds vaccinated with a coccidiosis vaccine atbirth wherein the results illustrated are for birds that were not fedthe composition embodiment (left bar) and for birds that were fed thecomposition for different time periods (right bar); the results weremeasured at day 18.

FIG. 42 is a graph of body weight gain illustrating the effects of acomposition embodiment on birds vaccinated with a coccidiosis vaccine atbirth wherein the results illustrated are for birds that were not fedthe composition embodiment (left bar) and for birds that were fed thecomposition for different time periods (right bar); the results weremeasured at day 28.

FIG. 43 is a graph of body weight gain illustrating results on day 42for birds administered a coccidiosis vaccine and fed 0 mg or 250 mg of acomposition embodiment for days 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, and days19-42.

FIG. 44 is a graph of oocysts per gram of feces illustrating results onday 18 for birds administered a coccidiosis vaccine and fed 0 mg or 250mg of a composition embodiment for days 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, anddays 19-42.

FIG. 45 is a graph of oocysts per gram of feces illustrating results onday 28 for birds administered a coccidiosis vaccine and fed 0 mg or 250mg of a composition embodiment for days 0-42, days 0-28, days 29-42, anddays 19-42.

FIG. 46 is a graph of body weight versus age in days, illustrating thedifferent changes in body weight for the different treatment groups overtime.

FIG. 47 is a graph of mean trophozoite score versus age in days,illustrating a general dose dependent reduction of trophozoite score forgroups administered a composition comprising Quillaja saponaria andYucca schidigera.

FIG. 48 is a graph of mean fecal score versus age in days, illustratingthe different amounts of enteritis detected in fecal samples for thedifferent treatment groups over time.

FIG. 49 is a graph of mean lesion score versus age in days, illustratingthe duodenal lesion score for the different treatment groups at days 13and 16.

FIG. 50 is a graph of mean lesion score versus age in days, illustratingthe jejunal lesion score for the different treatment groups at days 13and 16.

FIG. 51 is a graph of mean lesion score versus age in days, illustratingthe ileal lesion score for the different treatment groups at days 13 and16.

FIG. 52 is a PCoA plot colored by age, illustrating the age-dependentprogression of the bacterial community in the gut of the turkeys.

FIG. 53 is a PCoA plot colored by treatment, illustrating thedifferences between the bacterial communities between control andtreatment groups.

FIG. 54 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofLactobacillus reuteri in the control and treatment groups at day 3.

FIG. 55 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofLactobacillus reuteri in the control and treatment groups at day 3.

FIG. 56 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofClostridium species in the control and treatment groups at day 3.

FIG. 57 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofClostridium species in the control and treatment groups at day 3.

FIG. 58 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofcyanobacterial sequences in the control and treatment groups at day 7.

FIG. 59 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofcyanobacterial sequences in the control and treatment groups at day 7.

FIG. 60 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofEnterococcus species in the control and treatment groups at day 7.

FIG. 61 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofEnterococcus species in the control and treatment groups at day 7.

FIG. 62 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofStreptococcus species in the control and treatment groups at day 7.

FIG. 63 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofStreptococcus species in the control and treatment groups at day 7.

FIG. 64 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofLactobacillus reuteri in the control and treatment groups at day 14.

FIG. 65 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofLactobacillus reuteri in the control and treatment groups at day 14.

FIG. 66 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofPeptostreptococcaceae in the control and treatment groups at day 14.

FIG. 67 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofPeptostreptococcaceae in the control and treatment groups at day 14.

FIG. 68 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofClostridiaceae in the control and treatment groups at day 21.

FIG. 69 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofClostridiaceae in the control and treatment groups at day 21.

FIG. 70 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofCorynebacterium species in the control and treatment groups at day 21.

FIG. 71 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofCorynebacterium species in the control and treatment groups at day 21.

FIG. 72 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofStaphylococcus species in the control and treatment groups at day 21.

FIG. 73 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofStaphylococcus species in the control and treatment groups at day 21.

FIG. 74 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofStreptococcus species in the control and treatment groups at day 21.

FIG. 75 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofStreptococcus species in the control and treatment groups at day 21.

FIG. 76 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofCandidatus Arthromitus in the control and treatment groups at day 21.

FIG. 77 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofCandidatus Arthromitus in the control and treatment groups at day 21.

FIG. 78 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofCandidatus Arthromitus in the control and treatment groups at day 32.

FIG. 79 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofCandidatus Arthromitus in the control and treatment groups at day 32.

FIG. 80 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofCorynebacterium species in the control and treatment groups at day 32.

FIG. 81 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofCorynebacterium species in the control and treatment groups at day 32.

FIG. 82 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount of E.coli in the control and treatment groups at day 32.

FIG. 83 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount of E.coli in the control and treatment groups at day 32.

FIG. 84 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofStaphylococcus species in the control and treatment groups at day 32.

FIG. 85 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofStaphylococcus species in the control and treatment groups at day 32.

FIG. 86 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofPeptostreptococcaceae in the control and treatment groups at day 32.

FIG. 87 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofPeptostreptococcaceae in the control and treatment groups at day 32.

FIG. 88 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount of E.coli in the control and treatment groups at day 84.

FIG. 89 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount of E.coli in the control and treatment groups at day 84.

FIG. 90 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofEnterococcus cecorum in the control and treatment groups at day 84.

FIG. 91 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofEnterococcus cecorum in the control and treatment groups at day 84.

FIG. 92 is a plot of original abundance illustrating the amount ofLactobacillus reuteri in the control and treatment groups at day 84.

FIG. 93 is a plot of normalized abundance illustrating the amount ofLactobacillus reuteri in the control and treatment groups at day 84.

FIG. 94 is a plot of abundance versus treatment illustrating the amountof E. coli detected at day 3.

FIG. 95 is a plot of abundance versus treatment illustrating the amountof E. coli detected at day 7.

FIG. 96 is a plot of abundance versus treatment illustrating the amountof E. coli detected at day 14.

FIG. 97 is a plot of abundance versus treatment illustrating the amountof E. coli detected at day 21.

FIG. 98 is a plot of abundance versus treatment illustrating the amountof E. coli detected at day 32.

FIG. 99 is a plot of abundance versus treatment illustrating the amountof E. coli detected at day 84.

FIG. 100 is a plot of abundance versus treatment illustrating thedifference in the amount of Candidatus Arthromitus detected between thecontrol and treatment groups.

FIG. 101 is a plot of abundance versus treatment illustrating thedifference in the amount of Candidatus Arthromitus detected between thecontrol and treatment groups.

FIG. 102 is a plot of abundance versus treatment illustrating thedifference in the amount of Candidatus Arthromitus detected between thecontrol and treatment groups.

FIG. 103 is a plot of abundance versus treatment illustrating thedifference in the amount of Candidatus Arthromitus detected between thecontrol and treatment groups.

FIG. 104 is a plot of diversity versus treatment, illustrating thebacterial community diversity of the control and treatment groups at day3.

FIG. 105 is a plot of diversity versus treatment, illustrating thebacterial community diversity of the control and treatment groups at day7.

FIG. 106 is a plot of diversity versus treatment, illustrating thebacterial community diversity of the control and treatment groups at day14.

FIG. 107 is a plot of diversity versus treatment, illustrating thebacterial community diversity of the control and treatment groups at day21.

FIG. 108 is a plot of diversity versus treatment, illustrating thebacterial community diversity of the control and treatment groups at day32.

FIG. 109 is a plot of diversity versus treatment, illustrating thebacterial community diversity of the control and treatment groups at day84.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure concerns embodiments of a combination comprisingquillaja (e.g., Quillaja saponaria), yucca (e.g., Yucca schidigera), anantimicrobial, an antibiotic, an anticoccidial agent, and/or a vaccine,such as a coccidiosis vaccine. Methods of administering the combinationand/or composition embodiments disclosed herein are described, as aremethods for treating and/or preventing certain diseases, such ascoccidiosis, in animals using embodiments of the disclosed combinationand/or composition embodiments.

I. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

The following explanations of terms and abbreviations are provided tobetter describe the present disclosure and to guide those of ordinaryskill in the art in the practice of the present disclosure. As usedherein, “comprising” means “including” and the singular forms “a” or“an” or “the” include plural references unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The term “or” refers to a single element of statedalternative elements or a combination of two or more elements, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless explained otherwise, all technical and scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinaryskill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of the present disclosure, suitable methods andmaterials are described below. The materials, methods, and examples areillustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Other features of thedisclosure are apparent from the following detailed description and theclaims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofcomponents, molecular weights, percentages, temperatures, times, and soforth, as used in the specification or claims are to be understood asbeing modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwiseindicated, implicitly or explicitly, the numerical parameters set forthare approximations that may depend on the desired properties soughtand/or limits of detection under standard test conditions/methods. Whendirectly and explicitly distinguishing embodiments from discussed priorart, the embodiment numbers are not approximates unless the word “about”is recited. Furthermore, not all alternatives recited herein areequivalents.

To facilitate review of the various embodiments of the disclosure, thefollowing explanations of specific terms are provided:

Administering: Providing a combination, composition, or componentdisclosed herein by any suitable route to an animal. In some embodimentsdisclosed herein, administration can refer to oral administration.

Animal: This term includes, but is not limited to, humans, mammals,aquaculture species, and avian species. In some embodiments, this termcan refer to mammals, aquaculture species, and avian species that areraised for human consumption or that are domesticated animals. Exemplarysuch animal species are provided herein.

Aquaculture Species: An animal that lives in salt or fresh water.Exemplary aquaculture species are disclosed herein.

Binding agent or binder: A material or substance that is used to hold ordraw together other materials to form a cohesive unit. Examples include,but are not limited to, acacia, alginic acid, carboxymethylcellulose,sodium compressible sugar, ethylcellulose gelatin, liquid glucose,methylcellulose, povidone or pregelatinized starch.

Co-administration: Administering two or more combinations, compositions,or components simultaneously or sequentially in any order to a subjectto provide overlapping periods of time in which the subject isexperiencing effects, beneficial and/or deleterious, from eachcomponent. One or more of the components may be a therapeutic agent.Components may be combined into a single composition or dosage form, orthey may be administered as separate components either simultaneously orsequentially in any order. When administered sequentially, the two ormore components are administered within an effective period of time toprovide overlapping periods of time in which the subject experienceseffects from each component.

Combination: A combination comprises two or more compositions orcomponents that are administered such that the effective time period ofthe first composition or component overlaps with the effective timeperiod of the second and subsequent compositions or components. Acombination may be a composition comprising the components, or it may betwo or more individual components administered substantiallysimultaneously or sequentially in any order.

Excipient or carrier: A physiologically inert substance that is used asan additive in (or with) a combination, composition, or component asdisclosed herein. As used herein, an excipient or carrier may beincorporated within particles of a combination, composition, orcomponent, or it may be physically mixed with particles of acombination, composition, or component. An excipient or carrier can beused, for example, to dilute an active agent and/or to modify propertiesof a combination or composition. Examples of excipients and carriersinclude but are not limited to calcium carbonate, polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP), tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (also known asvitamin E TPGS, or TPGS), dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC),trehalose, sodium bicarbonate, glycine, sodium citrate, and lactose.

Feed conversion rate: A measure of the efficiency of an animal toconvert feed mass into increased body mass; also known in the art asfeed conversion ratio (which is expressed herein as a dimensionlessnumber).

Feedstuff: Anything that may be consumed by an animal. The term“feedstuff” includes, but is not limited to, solid and liquid animalfeeds (e.g., a feed ration), supplements (e.g., a mineral supplement),water, and feed additive carriers (e.g., molasses).

Saponin: A class of chemical compounds, one of many secondarymetabolites found in natural sources, with saponins found in particularabundance in various plant species. More specifically, they areamphipathic glycosides grouped, in terms of structure, by theircomposition. In certain embodiments, saponin comprises one or morehydrophilic glycoside moieties combined with a lipophilic triterpenederivative.

Therapeutically Effective Amount or Effective Amount: A quantity orconcentration of a specified compound or composition sufficient toachieve a desired effect in an animal being treated for a disorder. Thetherapeutically effective amount may depend at least in part on thespecies of animal being treated, the size of the animal, and/or theseverity of the disorder.

II. COMPOSITIONS AND COMBINATIONS

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a combination of yucca or quillaja,more typically both, with an antimicrobial, an antibiotic, ananticoccidial agent, and/or a vaccine, such as a coccidiosis vaccine. Insome embodiments, the disclosed combination embodiments may beadministered prophylactically or therapeutically, to an animal to reducethe risk of the animal from developing particular diseases, such ascoccidiosis, and/or to treat an animal suffering from a disease, such ascoccidiosis. In some embodiments, the disclosed combinations also canimprove the feed conversion rate of certain animals that are raised forhuman consumption, such as domestic fowl and livestock. In yetadditional embodiments, the combinations and compositions can be used toimprove animal health generally.

In some embodiments, the compositions and combinations disclosed hereincan be used to significantly reduce the costs associated with animalproduction. In particular embodiments, the compositions and combinationscan significantly reduce the costs associated with avian (e.g., domesticfowl) production as the compositions and combinations provideimprovements in animal health and growth. Solely by way of example, areduction of just one point in feed conversion ratio for 1 millionchickens per week can translate into a cost/feed savings of nearly$750,000 per year. Some embodiments of the combinations disclosed hereincan provide reductions of 5 or more points in feed conversion, thusillustrating their utility and superior activity.

Examples of yucca that can be used in the disclosed combination include,but are not limited to, Yucca aloifolia, Yucca angustissima, Yuccaarkansana, Yucca baccata, Yucca baileyi, Yucca brevifolia, Yuccacampestris, Yucca capensis, Yucca carnerosana, Yucca cernua, Yuccacoahuilensis, Yucca constricta, Yucca decipiens, Yucca declinata, Yuccadesmetiana, Yucca elata, Yucca endlichiana, Yucca faxoniana, Yuccafilamentosa, Yucca filifera, Yucca flaccida, Yucca gigantean, Yuccaglauca, Yucca gloriosa, Yucca grandiflora, Yucca harrimaniae, Yuccaintermedia, Yucca jaliscensis, Yucca lacandonica, Yucca linearifolia,Yucca luminosa, Yucca madrensis, Yucca mixtecana, Yucca necopina, Yuccaneomexicana, Yucca pallida, Yucca periculosa, Yucca potosina, Yuccaqueretaroensis, Yucca reverchonii, Yucca rostrata, Yucca rupicola, Yuccaschidigera, Yucca schottii, Yucca sterilis, Yucca tenuistyla, Yuccathompsoniana, Yucca treculeana, Yucca utahensis, or Yucca valida. Incertain disclosed embodiments the yucca component is Yucca schidigera.

Examples of quillaja that can be used in the disclosed combinationinclude, but are not limited to, Quillaja brasiliensis, Quillajalanceolata, Quillaja lancifolia, Quillaja molinae, Quillaja petiolaris,Quillaja poeppigii, Quillaja saponaria, Quillaja sellowiana, or Quillajasmegmadermos. In particular disclosed embodiments the quillaja isQuillaja saponaria.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, as usedherein, a plant name may refer to the plant as a whole, or to any partof the plant, such as the roots, stem or trunk, bark, leaves, flower,flower stems, or seeds or a combination thereof. These plant parts maybe used fresh, or dried, and may be whole, pulverized, mashed,comminuted, or ground. The name may also refer to extracts from any partor parts of the plant, such as chemical extracts, or extracts obtainedby pressing, or any other methods of concentrating or extracting oils orother extracts known to those in the art or that are hereafterdiscovered. Plant extracts may include compounds that are saponins,triterpenoids, polyphenols, antioxidants, resveratrol, or combinationsthereof.

A composition comprising yucca and/or quillaja can be used to makeembodiments of the disclosed combination. Such compositions can alsoinclude carriers and binding agents suitable to formulate the yuccaand/or quillaja for administration to animals. In some embodiments, thecompositions are formulated for administration to mammals, avian, oraquaculture species. In certain independent embodiments, the compositioncan be a commercially available product, such as a compositioncomprising Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria, which is sold underthe trade name NUTRAFITO PLUS by Desert King International and/orMAGNI-PHI by Phibro Animal Health Corporation. Such compositionembodiments can comprise 85% Quillaja saponaria and 15% Yucca schidigeraor 90% Quillaja saponaria and 10% Yucca schidigera. In some embodiments,the combination also comprises an antimicrobial, an antibiotic, ananticoccidial agent, a vaccine, and/or combinations of such components.The combination components can be administered in any order. In someembodiments, an antimicrobial, an antibiotic, an anticoccidial agent,and a vaccine can be administered to the animal prior to administrationof yucca, quillaja, or a composition thereof. Alternatively, a vaccinecan be administered to an animal, followed by administration of yucca,quillaja, or a composition thereof. In such embodiments, anantimicrobial, an antibiotic and/or an anticoccidial agent may beadministered simultaneously with the yucca, quillaja, or compositionthereof; or an antimicrobial, an antibiotic, and/or an anticoccidialagent may be administered before or after each of the yucca and/orquillaja. In an independent embodiment, an antimicrobial, an antibioticand/or an anticoccidial agent need not be administered. In yet otherindependent embodiment, a vaccine need not be administered.

Suitable antimicrobials and/or antibiotics include, but are not limitedto, Virginiamycin, Bacitracin MD, Zinc Bacitracin, Tylosin, Lincomycin,Flavomycin, Terramycin, Neo-Terramycin, or combinations thereof. In yetadditional embodiments, the antimicrobial or antibiotic can be selectedfrom penicillin, tetracycline, ceftiofur, florfenicol, tilmicosin,enrofloxacin, and tulathromycin, procaine penicillin, benzathinepenicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, spectinomycin, dihydrostreptomycin,chlortetracycline, gentamicin, sulphadimidine, trimethoprim,oxytetracycline, erythromycin, norfloxacin and combinations thereof.

Suitable anticoccidial agents include, but are not limited to,ionophores and chemical anticoccidial products. Ionophores can include,but are not limited to, Monensin, Salinomycin, Lasalocid, Narasin,Maduramicin, Semduramicin, Laidlomycin, or combinations thereof.

Chemical anticoccidial products can include, but are not limited to,Nicarbazin, Maxiban, Diclazuril, Toltrazuril, Robenidine, Stenorol,Clopidol, Decoquinate, DOT (zoalene), Amprolium, or combinationsthereof.

Suitable vaccines can be selected from live coccidiosis vaccines, suchas COCCIVAC (e.g., a composition comprising live oocysts of Eimeriaacervulina, Eimeria mivati, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria mitis, Eimeriatenella, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria praecox, Eimeria brunetti, Eimeriahagani, or combinations thereof), LivaCox (a composition comprising300-500 live sporulated oocysts of each attenuated line of Eimeriaacervulina, E. maxima and E. tenella in a 1% w/v aqueous solution ofChloramine B), ParaCox (a composition comprising live sporulated oocystsderived from E. acervulina HP, E. brunetti HP, E. maxima CP, E. maximaMFP, E mitis HP, E. necatrix HP, E. praecox HP, E. tenella HP, andcombinations thereof), Hatch Pack Cocci III (a composition comprisingoocysts derived from Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeriatenella, or combinations thereof), INOVOCOX (a composition comprisingoocysts derived from Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeriatenella, and a sodium chloride solution), IMMUCOX (a compositioncomprising live oocysts derived from Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima,Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria tenella, and combinations thereof), Advent, orcombinations thereof.

In yet additional embodiments, other vaccines can be utilized. Forexample, any vaccine suitable for use in any of the animals describedherein can be used in the disclosed combinations and methods. In someembodiments, the vaccine can be selected based on the particular animalto receive the combination. In some embodiments, the vaccine can beselected based on the particular diseases to which a particular animalis susceptible. Solely by way of example, a vaccine administered to aruminant can be selected from any vaccine suitable for preventing ortreating sudden death (e.g., clostridial diseases, anthrax, and thelike), respiratory diseases (e.g., infectious bovine rhinotracheitis,parainfluenza-3, bovine virus diarrhea, bovine respiratory syncytialvirus, pasteurella, haemophilus sommus, and the like), reproductivediseases (IBR, BVD, brucellosis, vibriosis, lepto, trichomoniasis, andthe like), scours (rota and corona virus, E. coli, and the like),pinkeye, hepatitis E virus, porcine endogenous retrovirus, swineinfluenza virus, porcine parvovirus, and the like. In some embodiments,vaccines can be selected from B ALPHA, BAR-GUARD-99, BAR-VAC, BIOMYCIN200, BO-BAC-2X, BOVIKALC, CALIBER, CITADEL, CYDECTIN INJECTABLE,CYDECTIN POUR-ON, C & D ANTITOXIN, DIAQUE, DRY-CLOX, ENTERVENE-D,EXPRESS, EXPRESS FP, HETACIN-K, LYSIGIN, OCU-GUARD MB-1, POLYFLEX,PRESPONSE, PRISM 5, PYRAMID, PYRAMID, PRESPONSE SQ, QUATRACON-2X,SYNANTHIC, TODAY, TOMORROW, TRIANGLE, TRIVIB 5L, TRICHGUARD, and thelike. In yet additional embodiments, the vaccine can be selected fromCIRCUMVENT PCV G2, CIRCUMVENT PCV-M G2, MAGESTIC 7, MAXIVAC, EXCELL 5.0,PROSYSTEM RCE, PROSYSTEM ROTA, TGE/ROTA, PROSYSTEM TREC, and the like.

The amount of antimicrobial or antibiotic used is within the amountsstated below but may depend on the particular antimicrobial orantibiotic used as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill inthe art. In an independent embodiment, the amount of the antibiotic orantimicrobial that is used can be a therapeutically effective amountthat is at an approved or authorized dosage level for a particularantibiotic. In some embodiments, the amount of antibiotic orantimicrobial used can range from greater than 0 ppm to 100,000 ppm,such as 0.25 ppm to 5,000 ppm, or 0.5 ppm to 2,500 ppm, or 0.75 ppm to2,000 ppm, or 1 ppm to 1,500 ppm, or 5 ppm to 1,000 ppm, or 10 ppm to500 ppm, or 25 ppm to 300 ppm. In yet additional embodiments, the amountof antibiotic or antimicrobial used can range from greater than 0 mg/kgof body weight to 100,000 mg/kg of body weight, such as 0.5 mg/kg to2,500 mg/kg, or 1 mg/kg to 1,500 mg/kg, or 5 mg/kg to 1,000 mg/kg, or 10mg/kg to 500 mg/kg m, or 25 mg/kg to 300 mg/kg, or 10-20 mg/kg.

In some embodiments, the amount of the antimicrobial or antibiotic thatis included in the composition can range from at least 1 g/ton of feedto 230 g/ton of feed (or at least 1.1 ppm to 256 ppm), such as at least1 g/ton of feed to 220 g/ton of feed (or at least 1.1 ppm to 243 ppm),at least 1 g/ton of feed to 100 g/ton of feed (or at least 1.1 ppm to110 ppm), at least 1 g/ton of feed to 50 g/ton of feed (or at least 1.1ppm to 55 ppm), or at least 1 g/ton of feed to 10 g/ton of feed (or atleast 1.1 ppm to 11 ppm). Particular antimicrobials or antibiotics thatcan be used, and dosage amounts of such antimicrobials and antibioticsinclude, but are not limited to, the following: Virginiamycin in anamount ranging from 5 g/ton of feed to 25 g/ton of feed (or 5 ppm to 27ppm, such as 22 ppm); Bacitracin MD in an amount ranging from 40 g/tonof feed to 220 g/ton of feed (or 44 ppm to 242 ppm, or 50 ppm to 250 ppmin some other embodiments); Zinc Bacitracin in an amount ranging from 40g/ton of feed to 220 g/ton of feed (or 44 ppm to 242 ppm); Tylosin in anamount ranging from 1 g/ton of feed to 1000 g/ton of feed (or 1 ppm to1100 ppm); Lincomycin in an amount ranging from 1 g/ton of feed to 5g/ton of feed (or 1 ppm to 6 ppm); Flavomycin in an amount ranging from1 g/ton of feed to 5 g/ton of feed (or 1 ppm to 6 ppm); or combinationsthereof.

The amount of anticoccidial agent, as will be understood by a person ofordinary skill in the art (e.g., a veterinarian), can be selecteddepending on the particular anticoccidial agent used. In someembodiments, the amount of anticoccidial agent used can be atherapeutically effective amount for a particular animal species. Insome embodiments, the amount of anticoccidial agent used can range fromgreater than 0 ppm to 100,000 ppm, such as 0.25 ppm to 5,000 ppm, or 0.5ppm to 2,500 ppm, or 0.75 ppm to 2,000 ppm, or 1 ppm to 1,500 ppm, or 5ppm to 1,000 ppm, or 10 ppm to 500 ppm, or 25 ppm to 300 ppm. In yetadditional embodiments, the amount of antibiotic or antimicrobial usedcan range from greater than 0 mg/kg of body weight to 100,000 mg/kg ofbody weight, such as 0.5 mg/kg to 2,500 mg/kg, or 1 mg/kg to 1,500mg/kg, or 5 mg/kg to 1,000 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg m, or 25mg/kg to 300 mg/kg, or 10-20 mg/kg.

In some embodiments, the amount of the anticoccidial agent that isincluded in the composition can range from at least 1 g/ton of feed to250 g/ton of feed (or at least 1 ppm to 275 ppm), such as at least 1g/ton of feed to 200 g/ton of feed (or at least 1 ppm to 242 ppm), or atleast 1 g/ton of feed to 150 g/ton of feed (or at least 1 ppm to 165ppm), at least 1 g/ton of feed to 100 g/ton of feed (or at least 1 ppmto 110 ppm), or at least 1 g/ton of feed to 50 g/ton of feed (or atleast 1 ppm to 55 ppm). Particular anticoccidial agents that can beused, and dosage amounts of such anticoccidial agents include, but arenot limited to, the following: Monensin in an amount ranging from 35g/ton of feed to 110 g/ton of feed (or 38 ppm to 121 ppm); Salinomycinin an amount ranging from 25 g/ton of feed to 90 g/ton of feed (or 27ppm to 99 ppm); Lasalocid in an amount ranging from 35 g/ton of feed to113 g/ton of feed (or 38 ppm to 125 ppm); Narasin in an amount rangingfrom 35 g/ton of feed to 72 g/ton of feed (or 38 ppm to 79 ppm);Maduramicin in amount ranging from 2 g/ton of feed to 7 g/ton of feed(or 2 ppm to 8 ppm); Semduramicin in an amount ranging from 12 g/ton offeed to 23 g/ton of feed (or 13 ppm to 25 ppm); Nicarbazin in an amountranging from 60 g/ton of feed to 113 g/ton of feed (or 66 ppm to 125ppm); Maxiban in an amount ranging from 40 g/ton of feed to 90 g/ton offeed (or 44 ppm to 99 ppm); Diclazuril in an amount ranging from 0.5g/ton of feed to 10 g/ton of feed (or 0.6 ppm to 11 ppm); Toltrazuril inan amount ranging from 1 g/ton of feed to 10 g/ton of feed (or 1 ppm to11 ppm); Robenidine in an amount ranging from 20 g/ton of feed to 60g/ton of feed (or 22 ppm to 66 ppm); Stenorol in an amount ranging from1.5 g/ton of feed to 15 g/ton of feed (or 1.5 ppm to 17 ppm); Clopidolin an amount ranging from 90 g/ton of feed to 227 g/ton of feed (or 99ppm to 250 ppm); Decoquinate in an amount ranging from 18 g/ton of feedto 27 g/ton of feed (or 19 ppm to 29 ppm); Zoalene in an amount rangingfrom 25 g/ton of feed to 113 g/ton of feed (or 28 ppm to 125 ppm);Amprolium in an amount ranging from 20 g/ton of feed to 227 g/ton offeed (or 22 ppm to 250 ppm).

The amount of vaccine administered to the animal in combination with anyof the components described herein can depend on the type of animal towhich the vaccine is administered. In some embodiments, the amount ofvaccine used is a therapeutically effective amount ranging from greaterthan 0 mL/animal to 1,000 mL/animal, or 0.25 mL/animal to 500 mL/animal,or 0.5 mL/animal to 150 mL/animal, or 1 mL/animal to 100 mL/animal, or 2mL/animal to 50 mL/animal, or 3 mL/animal to 25 mL/animal, or 5mL/animal to 15 mL/animal.

In some embodiments the composition and/or combination further comprisesa vitamin, a trace mineral, a bulking agent, a carrier, a colorant, ataste enhancer, or any combination thereof. In other embodiments thecombination further comprises corn, soybean meal, wheat, barley, rye,canola, corn oil, limestone, salt, distillers dried grains with solubles(DDGS), dicalcium phosphate, sodium sesquicarbonate, methionine source,lysine source, L-threonine, choline, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the combination can be admixed with a feedstuff.The combination can be formulated to form a homogeneous mixture with thefeedstuff, such as by crushing, crumbling, grinding or otherwise sizingthe combination. Alternatively, the combination may be formulated as asolution, suspension, or slurry with the feedstuff, or separately andthen added to the feedstuff. In embodiments where the combinationcomprises two or more compositions, the compositions may be formulatedseparately or substantially together. Any of the compositions disclosedherein also can be admixed with the feedstuff. In some embodiments, acomposition and the feedstuff may be admixed sequentially, in any order,or substantially simultaneously.

In some embodiments the amount of yucca administered to an animal canrange from 0 to greater than 10 ounces per ton of feedstuff, typicallygreater than 0 ounces up to at least 10 ounces per ton of feedstuff,such as from 1 ounce to 9 ounces, or 1 ounce to 8 ounces, or 1 ounce to7 ounces. The amount of quillaja administered to an animal can rangefrom 0 to greater than 10 ounces per ton of feedstuff, typically greaterthan 0 ounces up to at least 10 ounces per ton of feedstuff, such asfrom 1 ounce to 9 ounces, or 1 ounce to 8 ounces, or 1 ounce to 7ounces. In certain embodiments, both yucca and quillaja areadministered, and the combined amount administered is from greater than0 ounces to greater than 10 ounces per ton of feedstuff, such as from 1ounce to 9 ounces, or 1 ounce to 8 ounces, or 2 ounces to 7 ounces. Inan independent embodiment, Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria canbe administered together in an amount ranging from 2 ounces to 8 ouncesper ton of feedstuff.

In some embodiments, the amount of compositions comprising yucca,quillaja, or a combination thereof that are administered to animals canbe an amount sufficient to promote animal health, reduce susceptibilityto disease, and/or improve feed conversion performance in animals. Theamount of the composition comprising yucca, quillaja, or a combinationthereof that can be administered to animals can be measured based on theconcentration of the composition per unit of feed, such as in ppm offeed. In such embodiments, the amount of the composition comprisingyucca, quillaja, or a combination thereof can range from greater than 0ppm to 100,000 ppm, such as greater than 0 ppm to 5,000 ppm, such as 50ppm to 3,000, or 100 ppm to 2,500 ppm, or 200 ppm to 2,500 ppm, or 250ppm to 600 ppm, or 150 ppm to 600 ppm, or 200 ppm to 400 ppm, or 250 ppmto 300 ppm.

In some embodiments, the amount of the composition comprising yucca,quillaja, or a combination thereof that can be administered to animalscan be measured based on the amount of the composition per unit bodyweight of an animal, such as mg/kg BW/day and/or g/kg BW/day, wherein“BW” refers to body weight. In some embodiments, the amount of thecomposition comprising yucca, quillaja, or a combination thereof that isadministered can range from greater than 0 mg/kg BW/day to 1000 mg/kgBW/day, such as 10 mg/kg BW/day to 500 mg/kg BW/day, or 20 mg/kg BW/dayto 250 mg/kg BW/day, or 30 mg/kg BW/day to 200 mg/kg BW/day, or 40 mg/kgBW/day to 100 mg/kg BW/day. In yet additional embodiments, the amount ofthe composition comprising yucca, quillaja, or a combination thereofthat can be administered to an animal can be measured based on theamount of the composition per animal per day, such as mg/head/day and/org/head/day. In some embodiments, the amount of the compositioncomprising yucca, quillaja, or a combination thereof that isadministered can range from greater than 0 mg/head/day to 100g/head/day, such as 0.25 mg/head/day to 100 g/head/day, or 1 mg/head/dayto 75 g/head/day, or 10 mg/head/day to 50 g/head/day, or 50 mg/head/dayto 25 g/head/day.

In an independent embodiment, a composition comprising Yucca schidigeraand Quillaja saponaria can be administered using at least 200 ppm to5,000 ppm, such as 200 ppm to 2,500 ppm, 200 ppm to 500 ppm, 200 ppm to300 ppm, 225 ppm to 275 ppm, or 230 ppm to 260 ppm. An exemplaryembodiment of the disclosed combination comprises 200 ppm, 250 ppm, or300 ppm of a composition comprising Yucca schidigera and Quillajasaponaria.

In some embodiments, the ratio of Quillaja saponaria and Yuccaschidigera can range from 70:30 (Quillaja saponaria:Yucca schidigera) to90:10 (Quillaja saponaria:Yucca schidigera). In an independentembodiment, the ratio of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera can be85:15.

III. METHODS OF USE

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of using the compositionsand combinations disclosed herein. Certain method embodiments canconcern administering the disclosed compositions and/or combinations toan animal to treat and/or prevent certain diseases, such as coccidiosis.In some disclosed embodiments, administering the composition and/orcombination result in reducing negative effects associated withdiseases, such as coccidiosis, in animals, such as, but not limited to,poor body weights, feed conversion rates, oocyst production, and/orlesion scores. In some embodiments, the animal can be an animal raisedfor human consumption or a domesticated animal. Examples of animals thatcan be administered the compositions and combinations disclosed hereininclude, but are not limited to, mammals, such as livestock (e.g., feedor dairy cattle) or pigs; avian, such as domestic fowl (e.g., layinghens, chicken, turkey, goose, duck, cornish game hen, quail, partridge,pheasant, guinea-fowl, ostrich, emu, swan, or pigeon); aquaculturespecies, such as fish (e.g., salmon, trout, cod, halibut, snapper,herring, catfish, and the like), crustaceans (e.g., lobster, shrimp,prawns, crabs, hill, crayfish, barnacles, copepods, and the like), ormolluscs (e.g., abalone, conchs, rock snails, whelk, clams, oysters,mussels, cockles, and the like). In other embodiments, the animal can bea domestic animal, such as a dog, cat, fish, or rabbit. In some otherembodiments, the animal can be a ruminant species, such as a sheep,goat, cow, deer, bison, buffalo, or llama. In yet other embodiments, theanimal can be an ungulate, such as a horse, donkey, or pig.

In some embodiments, the method comprises administering a combinationcomprising a first composition and a second composition. The firstcomposition can comprise yucca, quillaja, or a combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the first composition comprises Yucca schidigera,Quillaja saponaria, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, themethod can comprise administering an amount of a composition comprisingyucca, quillaja, or a combination thereof to an animal in amountsranging from greater than 0 ppm to 100,000 ppm, such as 0 ppm to 5,000ppm, or 10 ppm to 3,000 ppm, or 25 ppm to 4,000 ppm, or 50 ppm to 3,000,or 100 ppm to 2,500 ppm, or 200 ppm to 2,500 ppm, or 250 ppm to 600 ppm,or 250 ppm to 300 ppm.

In some embodiments, the method can comprise administering an amount ofa composition comprising yucca, quillaja, or a combination thereofranging from greater than 0 mg/head/day to 100 g/head/day, such as 0.25mg/head/day to 100 g/head/day, or 1 mg/head/day to 75 g/head/day, or 10mg/head/day to 50 g/head/day, or 50 mg/head/day to 25 g/head/day.

In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods, the firstcomposition comprises Yucca schidigera, Quillaja saponaria and thecomposition is administered to avian. In such embodiments, the amount ofthe first composition can range from greater than 150 ppm to 5,000 ppm,such as at least 200 ppm to 5,000 ppm, such as at least 200 ppm to 500ppm, or 250 ppm to 300 ppm of a composition comprising Yucca schidigera,Quillaja saponaria, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the methods can comprise administering thecompositions disclosed herein to animals other than chickens andturkeys. In some embodiments concerning administering a firstcomposition comprising Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria toanimals other than chickens or turkeys, the amount of the firstcomposition that is administered can range from greater than 0 ppm to100,000 ppm, such as greater than 0 ppm to 5,000 ppm, or 50 ppm to3,000, or 100 ppm to 2,500 ppm, or 200 ppm to 2,500 ppm, or 250 ppm to600 ppm, or 250 ppm to 300 ppm.

In some embodiments, the method can comprise administering thecompositions or combinations to ruminants or ungulates. Such embodimentscan comprise administering a disclosed composition or combinationembodiment to a livestock animal in an amount suitable to improve animalhealth or increase milk production. In some embodiments, a compositioncomprising yucca, quillaja, or a combination thereof can be administeredto a ruminant or ungulate in an amount ranging from greater than 0 ppmto 100,000 ppm, such as greater than 0 ppm to 5,000 ppm, such as 50 ppmto 3,000, or 100 ppm to 2,500 ppm, or 200 ppm to 2,500 ppm, or 250 ppmto 600 ppm, or 150 ppm to 600 ppm, or 200 ppm to 400 ppm, or 250 ppm to300 ppm. In exemplary embodiments, the amount of the compositioncomprising yucca, quillaja, or a combination thereof that isadministered to certain ruminants, such as swine, ranges from 50 ppm to600 ppm. In yet additional embodiments, a composition comprising yucca,quillaja, or a combination thereof can be administered to a ruminant orungulate in an amount ranging from greater than 0 mg/head/day to 100g/head/day, such as 0.25 mg/head/day to 100 g/head/day, or 1 mg/head/dayto 75 g/head/day, or 10 mg/head/day to 50 g/head/day, or 50 mg/head/dayto 25 g/head/day.

In yet additional embodiments, the composition comprising yucca,quillaja, or a combination thereof can be administered to aquaculturespecies. In such embodiments, the methods can comprise providing theaquaculture species an amount of the composition that ranges fromgreater than 0 ppm to 100,000 ppm, such as 100 ppm to 50,000 ppm, or 200ppm to 25,000 ppm, or 300 ppm to 15,000 ppm, or 400 ppm to 5,000 ppm, or500 ppm to 1,000 ppm. In some exemplary embodiments, the amount rangesfrom 300 ppm to 2,000 ppm, such as 300 ppm to 500 ppm.

In an independent embodiment, the method can comprise administering acomposition comprising yucca, quillaja, or a combination thereof whereinthe amount of the composition that is administered ranges from at least200 ppm to 5,000 ppm, such as 200 ppm to 2,500 ppm, 200 ppm to 500 ppm,200 ppm to 300 ppm, 225 ppm to 275 ppm, or 230 ppm to 260 ppm. Anexemplary embodiment of the disclosed combination comprises 200 ppm or250 ppm of a composition comprising Yucca schidigera and Quillajasaponaria.

In some embodiments, administration of a composition comprising Yuccaand Quillaja, such as Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria, providesa health benefit to an animal compared to an animal that is notadministered the composition. The composition may be administered alone,or in combination with an antimicrobial, an antibiotic, an anticoccidialagent, a vaccine, or a combination thereof, as disclosed herein. In someembodiments, the composition is administered in the amounts disclosedherein. The health benefit may include, but is not limited to, ananticoccidial effect, as determined by a reduction in the number ofcoccidian oocysts detected in fecal samples; a reduction in the numberof Necrotic Enteritis lesions caused by Clostridium perfringens; areduction in the impact of field infections and trophozoite burdencaused by Cochlosoma anatis infections; and/or a beneficial effect onthe microbiome of the animal. The beneficial effect on the microbiome ofthe animal, such as the gut bacterial community, may include, but is notlimited to, a decrease in Clostridium species, such as Clostridiaceae; adecrease in cyanobacterial sequences; a decrease in Enterococcusspecies, including Enterococcus cecorum; a decrease in E. coli; adecrease in Corynebacterium species; a decrease in Staphylococcusspecies; a decrease in Streptococcus species; an increase inLactobacillus species, such as, Lactobacillus reuteri; an increase insegmented filamentous bacteria (Candidatus Arthromitus); an increase inPeptostreptococcaceae, including butyrate producing bacteria that havebeen shown to be positively correlated with improved gut health; or anycombination thereof. The health benefit may occur at any time during thetime period during which the composition is administered. In someembodiments, the composition is administered from the day of age, andthe health benefit may occur at any time from the day of age, such asfrom the day of age to day of harvest.

In certain method embodiments, the second composition can comprise anantimicrobial, an antibiotic, an anticoccidial agent, a vaccine, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the second compositioncomprises Virginiamycin, Salinomycin, or a combination thereof. Theamount of the antibiotic, antimicrobial, anticoccidial agent, or vaccinein the second composition can range from any of the amounts disclosedfor such components provided herein. In some embodiments, the amount ofthe antibiotic, antimicrobial, anticoccidial agent, or vaccine can rangefrom greater than 0 ppm to 500 ppm, such as 10 ppm to 100 ppm, or 10 ppmto 70 ppm. In some embodiments, the amount ranges from at least 10 ppmto 30 ppm Virginiamycin and/or at least 25 ppm to 90 ppm Salinomycin,such as 20 ppm to 80 ppm, 20 ppm to 70 ppm, 20 ppm to 60 ppm, or 20 ppmto 50 ppm. Exemplary amounts in certain working embodiments include, butare not limited to, 22 ppm Virginiamycin and/or 50 ppm to 70 ppm, suchas 66 ppm Salinomycin.

Method embodiments disclosed herein also can comprise administering thecombination comprising the first composition and the second compositionin combination with a feedstuff. For example, the combination of thefirst composition and the second composition can be administered incombination with an amount of feedstuff suitable for obtaining an animalhaving a weight suitable for that particular species. Solely by way ofexample, some embodiments can comprise administering the firstcomposition and the second composition in combination with 7 lbs to 10lbs of a feedstuff to a chicken. Any suitable dosage of the combinationcomprising the first composition, second composition, and the feedstuffmay be used. In some embodiments, the amount of the feedstuff that isprovided to the animal can be varied according to their food intakeneeds as growth occurs.

In some embodiments, the combination can comprise a first compositioncomprising Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria, a second compositioncomprising an antimicrobial agent and/or an antibiotic, and a thirdcomposition comprising a vaccine. A feedstuff also may be administeredin such embodiments. The combination of the first, second, and/or thirdcompositions that is administered can be admixed with a feedstuff priorto administration to the animal, or the feedstuff may be administeredbefore or after the combination of the first, second, and/or thirdcompositions. These embodiments are not intended to limit the order ofadministration, as any suitable order of administration can be selected.

The combination and/or composition embodiments disclosed herein can beadministered using any suitable technique. In some embodiments, thecombination and/or the composition is orally administered by activelyintroducing the combination into the animal's mouth, or orallyadministered by allowing the bird to ingest the combination and/orcomposition on its own. The combination and/or composition may beadministered to the animal during any stage of its lifecycle in whichthey consume food. In some embodiments, the animal is an avian, such asa domestic fowl and the combination or composition disclosed herein isadministered after hatching (or “day of age”), or at any stagethereafter, such as day of age to 42 days after birth, or 18 days afterbirth to 35 days after birth. In some embodiments, the combination orcomposition can be fed to 18 day-old broiler chickens, and thereafteruntil harvest, typically at 8 weeks. In some embodiments, thecombination or composition can be fed to an animal that is raised forhuman consumption from day of age to day of death, or from day of age toa time period prior to death.

Method embodiments disclosed herein improve an animal's feed conversionrate, such as by reducing the animal's feed conversion rate value,relative to animals that are fed a standard diet (e.g., a feedstuff). Inan independent embodiment, the method described herein can be used toimprove an animal's feed conversion rate relative to animals that aresolely fed a feedstuff in combination with amounts of a compositioncomprising Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria ranging from 100 ppmto 150 ppm. In some embodiments, the animal is an animal raised forhuman consumption, such as a domestic fowl and/or livestock. A feedconversion rate (feed conversion ratio) is a measure of an animal'sefficiency in converting feed mass into increased body mass. Inembodiments wherein the combination or composition is administered to anavian, such as a domestic fowl, an avian (e.g., domestic fowl)exhibiting a low feed conversion rate (e.g., at least one to less than2, such as greater than 1 to 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, or lower) isconsidered efficient, as it requires less feed to reach a desiredweight. In some embodiments, a low feed conversion rate for pigs can be1 to 3, such as 1 to 3, or 2 to 3. In some embodiments, a low feedconversion rate for cattle can be 5 to 8, such as 6 to 8, or 7 to 8. Insome embodiments the feed conversion rate of an avian, such as adomestic fowl, can be enhanced by 0.5% to greater than 20%, such as 2%to 10%, and in certain independent embodiments, by 3% to 5%. Exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein provide a feed conversion rate enhancementof broiler meat-type chickens of 4-5%.

Some method embodiments disclosed herein also comprise reducing theconcentration of oocysts in feces of animals, thereby reducing theincidence of coccidiosis in such animals, by administering an embodimentof the combination and/or composition. In some embodiments, the methodcan comprise administering a combination or composition disclosed hereinto an animal and then evaluating the number of oocysts produced by theanimal in comparison to an animal that has not been administered thecombination and/or composition. In some embodiments, the number ofoocysts can be reduced by a factor of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, or by about 20%to 80%, such as 20% to 70%, 20% to 60%, or 20% to 50%. In certainvaccinated animals, such as domestic fowl, the number of oocysts canrange from 10,000 to 20,000 oocysts per gram of feces, which can bereduced by a factor of four or 25%.

IV. WORKING EXAMPLES

The subject matter disclosed herein is further understood by referenceto the following examples, which are intended to be purely exemplary ofcertain working embodiments of the present disclosure. The presentdisclosure is not limited in scope by the exemplified embodiments, whichare intended as illustrations of single aspects of the claimed inventiononly. Any methods that are functionally equivalent are within the scopeof the claimed invention. Various modifications of the presentlydisclosed subject matter, in addition to those described herein, willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoingdescription and accompanying figures. Such modifications fall within thescope of the appended claims.

Example 1

In this example, the disclosed combination was administered to broilerchickens to determine doses in which the disclosed combination can beadministered without negatively affecting feed intake and at what levelof administration toxicity occurs.

Approximately 50 broiler chickens were kept in pens (8 pens in total,with 50 birds per pen) and fed a composition comprising Yucca schidigeraand Quillaja saponaria (referred to in Examples 1-5 herein as “thecomposition” or the “Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponariacomposition”) at different doses. The doses used in this particularexample included feed with 0 ppm of the composition, 125 ppm of thecomposition, 250 ppm of the composition, 500 ppm of the composition, and2,500 ppm of the composition. No disease challenge was administered tothe pen. Performance measurements were conducted, food intake wasassessed, and death incidence measured. The results obtained from thisparticular embodiment are illustrated graphically in FIGS. 1-3.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, performance (in the form of average weight andadjusted feed conversion) was first measured after 28 days, with dosesof 250 ppm and 500 ppm providing better feed conversion than 0 ppmand/or 125 ppm doses. FIG. 2 illustrates results obtained from days28-42 of the study, such results again indicating lower feed conversionnumbers for doses of 250 ppm and 500 ppm than that achieved from feedingthe birds feed only and/or feed including 125 ppm of the composition.FIG. 3 illustrates results obtained on the final day of the study (day42); similar results were obtained. Accordingly, this particularembodiment establishes that there are no adverse effects in feed intake,feed conversion or body weights in birds that ingested up to 2500 ppm.The results also indicate that higher doses of the composition (e.g.,about 200 ppm to about 500 ppm) than that typically suggested amount inthe art (i.e., 125 or 150 ppm) can be administered to the animal withoutadverse effects.

Example 2

In this example, the live performance of male broiler chickens during astandard diet program with and without an embodiment of the disclosedcombination was determined. In this embodiment, the combinationcomprised Virginiamycin and different levels of the composition,particularly 0 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, and 250 ppm, and furthercomprising Avatec 90. A disease challenge was presented in each pen byadding coccidial contaminated litter to the pen.

Results from this embodiment are provided in FIGS. 4-10. Body weightgain was measured on day 18 (FIG. 4), days 18-32 (FIG. 5), day 32 (FIG.6), days 32-42 (FIG. 7), and on day 42 (FIG. 8) of feeding. FIGS. 9 and10 illustrate results from days 0-32 and days 0-42, respectively.Virginiamycin was administered at two different dosage levels, 0 ppm and22 ppm. As indicated in FIGS. 4-10, Virginiamycin improved feedconversion rates throughout the test. In embodiments where only thecomposition was administered, there was not a significant improvement inthe adjusted feed/gain, but it did significantly affect bird weight gainthroughout the tests. The results also establish that Virginiamycin andthe composition provide an additive effect when used in combination. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, the composition improved bird weight gain whenadministered at 150 ppm and 200 ppm and the overall bird weight gainresponse (illustrated in FIG. 10) corroborated that good responses wereobtained using these two amounts of the composition. Table 1, below,provides the body weight gain (in grams) representing the growthresponse by dose (using only the composition and no Virginiamycin) andfeeding phase for each dose over the control embodiment for eachembodiment.

TABLE 1 Yucca schidigera and Quillaja Starter Grower Withdrawalsaponaria Composition (ppm) 0-18 d 18-32 d 32-42 d Total 150 50 28 11 89200 63 29 2 94 250 52 21 25 98

Example 3

In this embodiment, the effects of an embodiment of the disclosedcombination in broilers vaccinated for coccidiosis was determined. Inthis example, the combination comprised the Yucca schidigera andQuillaja saponaria composition, an antibiotic composition, and/or avaccine composition. Also, the ability of the Yucca schidigera andQuillaja saponaria composition to enhance the activity of the antibiotic(in this example, Virginiamycin) composition and/or the vaccinecomposition in coccidiosis-vaccinated birds was determined. In thisembodiment, all birds were vaccinated for coccidiosis with CocciVac. TheYucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition was administered indoses of 0 ppm, 200 ppm, and 250 ppm. Virginiamycin also wasadministered to the broilers in doses of 0 ppm and 22 ppm. Feedconversion performance, the number of oocysts per gram of feces, andlesions following coccidial challenge were measured.

Results from this embodiment are illustrated in FIGS. 11-19. Asillustrated in FIGS. 11-13, broilers that were administered the vaccinealone did not show the low feed conversion rates that broilersadministered with the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponariacomposition and/or Virginiamycin. FIGS. 11-13 also illustrate thatbroilers administered with a combination of the vaccine, the Yuccaschidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition, and Virginiamycinexhibited the lowest feed conversion rates. Without being limited to aparticular theory of operation, it is currently believed that higherlevels of the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition (e.g.,at least 200 ppm to 500 ppm) promotes the effect of the vaccine whileVirginiamycin controls bacterial growth, thereby providing an additiveeffect which results in an overall improvement in feed conversionefficiency.

The effect of a combination of the vaccine, the Yucca schidigera andQuillaja saponaria composition, and Virginiamycin on weight gain alsowas determined. FIGS. 14-16 illustrate these results. Additionally, theability of coccidial organisms to reproduce in broilers administered acombination of vaccine, the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponariacomposition, and Virginiamycin also was tested. As indicated in FIG. 17,the number of oocysts (which results from reproduction of the coccidialorganisms) was substantially reduced in broilers that had received thevaccine, the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition, andVirginiamycin. FIG. 17 also illustrates that combinations of the vaccineand the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition resulted indecreased oocysts as well.

In this embodiment, a challenge study was also conducted to determineimmune potentiation. On day 21 of this embodiment, five birds from eachpen were removed and challenged with a 3-species coccidial challenge.The birds were then placed in battery cages for seven days. At day 28,the birds were killed and lesion scored. It was hypothesized that ifimmune potentiation occurred, then lesions scores following thechallenge study would be lower in birds that were administered the Yuccaschidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition than birds that were notadministered the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria compositionand/or Virginiamycin. Surprisingly, however, lower lesions scores thanthose obtained with control birds (e.g., vaccine only) were not observedin birds that were administered the Yucca schidigera and Quillajasaponaria composition in amounts ranging from about 200 ppm to 500 ppm,alone or in combination, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. Withoutbeing limited to a particular theory of operation, it is currentlybelieved that the higher lesion scores were obtained in birds that hadbeen administered the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponariacomposition and/or Virginiamycin than control birds because the birdsthat were administered the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponariacomposition and/or Virginiamycin experienced lower levels of coccidiaexposure prior to extraction from the pens. That is, birds administeredthe Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition at amounts ofabout 200 ppm to about 500 ppm and/or Virginiamycin exhibited betteranticoccidial capabilities than birds that were not administered theYucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition and/orVirginiamycin. The non-control birds therefore did not develop as muchimmunity to coccidia while in the pen as the control birds who were notadministered the combination and therefore were more susceptible tococcidia and better able to develop more immunity while in the pen. Thecontrol birds therefore exhibited lower lesions scores once extractedfrom the pens as they had already developed immunity to the coccidialchallenge. The anticoccidial effects of the Yucca schidigera andQuillaja saponaria composition in amounts ranging from about 200 ppm toabout 500 ppm, alone or in combination with Virginiamycin, are thereforecorroborated with the data illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, as higherlesion scores are indicative of better coccidiosis control (i.e., lessimmunity). Results from these lesion scoring examples are provided inFIGS. 18 and 19.

Based on this example, it was determined that the Yucca schidigera andQuillaja saponaria composition, particularly at amounts of about 200 ppmto about 500 ppm, exerts clear anticoccidial effects in vaccinatedbroilers. There was an approximate 4- to 5-fold reduction in fecaloocyst count during the first 28 days in birds administered acombination of a vaccine and the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponariacomposition. Also, the anticoccidial effects of the Yucca schidigera andQuillaja saponaria composition was supported by the challenge studydisclosed above, which clearly showed higher susceptibility to coccidialchallenge in birds that were not administered the Yucca schidigera andQuillaja saponaria composition.

Example 4

In this particular embodiment, the compatibility of the Yucca schidigeraand Quillaja saponaria composition with Salinomycin was evaluated. Thetreatments included embodiments where no feed additive was provided(e.g., none of the composition added), where 250 ppm of the compositionwas provided, where 66 ppm of Salinomycin was provided, and embodimentswhere 250 ppm of the composition and 66 ppm of Salinomycin were providedin combination. The anticoccidial effects and immune potentiation ofeach test embodiment were evaluated and the results are providedgraphically in FIGS. 20-26.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20-23, the adjusted feed conversions of thebirds were determined after 18 days, 28 days, and 42 days, respectively.The results show an improvement in feed conversion rate in birdsadministered the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition andSalinomycin in combination. A significant point difference in feedconversion rate was seen after each time period, as illustrated in FIGS.20-23. Without being limited to a single theory of operation, it iscurrently believed that administering the composition in combinationwith Salinomycin increases the effectiveness of the Salinomycin inreducing the negative effects of coccidiosis (e.g., poorer feedconversion rates). The results also illustrated an additive effectbetween the composition and the Salinomycin. Body weight gain alsoincreased in birds that were administered a combination of thecomposition and Salinomycin as compared to birds that did not receivethe combination (e.g., birds administered feed only, birds administeredthe composition only, and birds administered Salinomycin only). Theseresults are clearly illustrated in FIGS. 24-26.

The combination of the composition and Salinomycin also reduced thenumber of oocysts per gram of feces in broilers, as indicated in FIG.27. A challenge study was also conducted to evaluate the potential forimmune potentiation. Similar to the challenge study described in Example3, 5 birds were removed from each pen after 21 days. These birds werechallenged with a three-species coccidial challenge and then placed inbatter cages for seven days. On day 28, the birds were killed and lesionscored. This challenge study indicated independent anticoccidial effectsof the composition and Salinomycin as both increased the susceptibilityof broilers to coccidial challenge between days 21 and 28.

Example 5

In this particular embodiment, the effects of the composition andSalinomycin, independently, were evaluated. Lower amounts of thecomposition were tested, including the amount that is typically used bythose in the art (i.e., 125 ppm). Salinomycin treatments used 44 ppm or66 ppm Salinomycin. Non-infected birds that received no medication wereused as a control (entry 1 of Table 2, below). Also, some birds wereadministered 66 ppm of Salinomycin, but where not infected (entry 7 ofTable 2, below). The remaining birds were infected with 200,000 oocystsof field isolate of E. acervulina, which is a species of Eimeria thatcauses coccidiosis in poultry, particularly old poultry, and subjectedto the treatments described below in entries 2-6 of Table 2. Asindicated by the data provided in Table 2, no significant differences inbody weights and/or adjusted feed conversion were observed at the lowerlevels of the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition(abbreviated as “YQ composition” in Table 2) used in these testedembodiments.

TABLE 2 E. acervulina Feed Adj. Fd. Avg. Wt. Lesion Treatment Consum.Conv. Gain Score OPG** NM*, Noninfect 2.796 a 1.791 b 0.260 a 0.0 d 0NM, Infect  2.531 bc 2.125 a 0.203 c 2.1 a 26780 YQ composition 2.441 c2.125 a 0.194c   1.7 bc 24645 100 ppm YQ composition 2.436 c 2.136 a0.191 c  2.0 ab 22411 125 ppm YQ composition 2.490 c 2.186 a 0.192 c 2.3a 36301 150 ppm Sal 44 ppm 2.804 a 1.946 b  0.241 ab 1.3 c 2734 Sal 66ppm  2.692 ab 1.948 b 0.231 b 1.4 c 217 *NM = non-medicated treatments**OPG = oocysts per gram of fecal material

Similar protocols were used to determine the effects of lower amounts ofNFP (e.g., 100 ppm, 125 ppm, and 150 ppm) on birds infected with E.maxima, a common form of Eimeria found in commercial broilers. Infectedbirds were infected with 37,500 oocysts of field isolate of E. maxima.The infected birds were subjected to the treatments described below inentries 2-6 of Table 3. As indicated by the data provided in Table 3, nosignificant differences in body weights and/or adjusted feed conversionwere observed at the lower levels of the Yucca schidigera and Quillajasaponaria composition (abbreviated as “YQ composition” in Table 3) usedin these tested embodiments.

TABLE 3 E. maxima Feed Adj. Fd. Avg. Wt. Lesion Treatment Consum. Conv.Gain Score OPG NM, Noninfect 2.796 a  1.791 c 0.260 a 0.0 e  0 NM,Infect 2.674 ab 2.225 a 0.201 c 1.9 ab 1884 YQ composition 2.638 bc2.191 a 0.202 c 1.8 ab 11072 100 ppm YQ composition 2.534 c  2.216 a0.191 c 1.6 bc 335 125 ppm YQ composition 2.611 bc 2.258 a 0.194 c 2.0a  1100 150 ppm Sal 44 ppm 2.718 ab 2.021 b 0.225 b 1.3 cd 4435 Sal 66ppm 2.647 bc 1.960 b 0.230 b 1.2 d  167 *NM = non-medicated treatments** OPG = oocysts per gram of fecal material

In another test embodiment, the effects of lower amounts of NFP (e.g.,100 ppm, 125 ppm, and 150 ppm) on birds infected with E. tenella, aspecies of Eimeria that causes hemorrhagic cecal coccidiosis in poultry,particularly young poultry. Infected birds were infected with 100,000oocysts of field isolate of E. tenella. The infected birds weresubjected to the treatments described below in entries 2-6 of Table 4.As indicated by the data provided in Table 4, no significant differencesin body weights and/or adjusted feed conversion were observed at thelower levels of the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition(abbreviated as “YQ composition” in Table 4) used in these testedembodiments.

TABLE 4 E. tenlla Feed Adj. Fd. Avg. Wt. Lesion Treatment Consum. Conv.Gain Score OPG NM, Noninfect 2.796 a 1.791 c 0.260 a 0.0 d 0 NM, Infect2.770 a 2.012 a 0.236 b 1.9 a 1984 YQ composition 2.692 a 2.017 a 0.226b 1.3 b 617 100 ppm YQ composition 2.757 a 1.999 a 0.231 b 1.5 b 11589125 ppm YQ composition 2.723 a 1.892 b  0.240 ab  1.6 ab 2267 150 ppmSal 44 ppm 2.787 a  1.929 ab  0.242 ab 0.8 c 800 Sal 66 ppm 2.671 a 1.863 bc  0.245 ab 0.6 c 150 *NM = non-medicated treatments ** OPG =oocysts per gram of fecal material

Accordingly, the results provided in this example establish that amountsof the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria composition ranging from100 ppm to 150 ppm are not as effective in improving feed conversionrates of animals as are amounts of the Yucca schidigera and Quillajasaponaria composition that range from about 200 ppm to about 500 ppm.The results also reflect that amounts of the Yucca schidigera andQuillaja saponaria composition ranging from 100 ppm to 150 ppm do nothave the same anticoccidial activity as those embodiments wherein about200 ppm to about 500 ppm of the Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponariacomposition is used.

General Procedures for Examples 6-8

In the embodiments described below in Examples 6-8, the followingconditions and methods were utilized. The test house was divided intopens of equal size, arranged along a central aisle. Subtracting out forequipment, the initial bird density was ˜ 0.84 square ft/bird. Each penhad 5 feet high side walls with bottom 1½ feet being of solid wood toprevent bird migration. All flooring of each pen had approximately 4inches of built-up litter.

The temperature of the building was monitored. Environmental conditionsduring the trial (temperature) were appropriate (optimum) to the age ofthe animals. Illumination was provided by fluorescent bulbs placed abovethe pens. The lighting scheme was 24 hours of light per day.

The diets were provided ad libitum in one tube-type feeder per pen. Fromday 1 until day 7, feed will also be supplied on a tray placed directlyon the litter of each pen.

Standard floor pen management practices were used throughout theexperiment. Animals and housing facilities were inspected twice daily,observing and recording the general health status, constant feed andwater supply as well as temperature, removing all dead birds, andrecognizing unexpected events.

All feeds were fed as crumbles/pellets. Quantities of all basal feed andtest articles used to prepare treatment batches were documented. Eachbatch of feed was mixed and bagged separately. Each bag was identifiedwith the study number, date of mix, type of feed, and the correcttreatment number. Complete records of feed mixing, and test articleinventories were maintained A sample from the beginning, middle, and endof each treatment feed were mixed to form a composite sample. Thissample of each treatment was retained until study end. All feed wasweighed by pen. Starter feed was fed from Day 0 to 18. On Day 18,non-consumed starter was weighed and discarded. Grower feed was issuedand fed until Day 28. On Day 28, non-consumed grower was weighed anddiscarded. Finisher feed was issued and fed until Day 42. On Day 42,non-consumed finisher was weighed and discarded.

Day of hatch male chicks were obtained from Cobb-Vantress hatchery,Cleveland, Ga. The strain was Cobb 500. Breeder flock was recorded. 1760chicks were allocated to the study. At the hatchery, the birds receivedroutine vaccinations. The birds were sexed at the hatchery. In Example7, all chicks were spray vaccinated with conventional doses ofCoccivac-B. Only healthy appearing chicks were used in the study. Inexamples 6 and 7, fifty-five males were allocated to each treatment penby blocks. In example 8, fifty-two males were allocated to eachtreatment pen by blocks. No birds were replaced during the course of thestudy. Number and disposition of all birds not used for allocation weredocumented. Bird weights (kg) by pen were recorded at study initiation,Day 18, 28, and termination (Day 42).

On Days 18, 28, and 35, three birds per pen were sacrificed andcoccidial lesion scored for degree of E. acervulina, E. maxima and E.tenella infection (Examples 6 and 7). The system of Johnson and Reid(1970) wherein 0 is normal and 1, 2, 3, or 4 indicate increasingseverity of infection were used for lesion scoring. In Example 8, threebirds per pen were sacrificed on days and 28 and coccidial lesion scoredfor degree of E. acervulina, E. maxima and E. tenella infection. Thesystem of Johnson and Reid (1970) wherein 0 is normal and 1, 2, 3, or 4indicate increasing severity of infection were used for lesion scoring.

On Days 18 and 28 fresh fecal samples were collected from each pen(Examples 6 and 7). On Days 18 and 28, fresh fecal samples werecollected from each pen (Example 8). These representative samples weretested to determine the degree of oocysts shedding/cycling. Oocysts pergram were determined for each sample.

Example 6

In this particular example, compositions were administered for differenttime periods during the life span of birds to determine preferredadministration time periods for improved performance. Also studied werethe control of field strains less sensitive to ionophore medication andthe performance of composition embodiments alone or in combination withSalinomycin fed to broilers.

Birds were administered a diet comprising 250 mg of a compositionembodiment comprising 90% Quillaja saponaria and 10% Yucca schidigera incombination with 66 ppm of Salinomycin for different time periods. Insome embodiments, the composition embodiment was fed to the birds forthe entire period between birth and death (typically days 0 to 42,referred to as a “full program”) or during intermediate time periodsduring the birds' life spans, such as from days 0 to 28 (referred to asa “starter/grower program”), from days 29-42 (referred to as a “finisherprogram”), or from days 19-42 (referred to as a “grower/finisherprogram”). The birds were exposed to a coccidial challenge from day ofage (e.g., day 0). Numerical results are provided by Tables 5-7 and alsoare presented graphically by FIGS. 28-37.

TABLE 5 Feed Adj. Avg. Wt Treatments Intake FCR Gain Day 18 1. Sal 66ppm + Composition 33.19b 1.445a 0.377a 250 ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 33.23b 1.445a 0.377a 250 ppm D 0-28 3. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 35.46a 1.474a 0.394a 250 ppm D 29-42 4. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 35.09ab 1.483a 0.391a 250 ppm D 19-42 Day 28 1. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 85.06a 1.652b 0.944a 250 ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 85.59a 1.649b 0.948a 250 ppm D 0-28 3. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 85.36a 1.701a 0.920a 250 ppm D 29-42 4. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 86.28a 1.676ab 0.941a 250 ppm D 19-42 Day 42 1. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 212.19a 1.807c 2.412a 250 ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 208.87a 1.837bc 2.376a 250 ppm D 0-28 3. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 206.71a 1.887a 2.295a 250 ppm D 29-42 4. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 205.66a 1.859ab 2.295a 250 ppm D 19-42 “D” = days; letters“a,” “b,” and “c” are used to indicate break points based on statisticalanalysis and thereby provide an indication of statistically significantdifferences between observed values.

TABLE 6 Feed Adj. Avg. Wt Treatments Intake FCR Gain Day 18 1. Sal 66ppm + Composition 33.19b 1.445a 0.377a 250 ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 33.23b 1.445a 0.377a 250 ppm D 0-28 3. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 35.46a 1.474a 0.394a 250 ppm D 29-42 4. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 35.09ab 1.483a 0.391a 250 ppm D 19-42 Day 28 1. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 85.06a 1.652b 0.944a 250 ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 85.59a 1.649b 0.948a 250 ppm D 0-28 3. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 85.36a 1.701a 0.920a 250 ppm D 29-42 4. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 86.28a 1.676ab 0.941a 250 ppm D 19-42 Day 42 1. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 212.19a 1.807c 2.412a 250 ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 208.87a 1.837bc 2.376a 250 ppm D 0-28 3. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 206.71a 1.887a 2.295a 250 ppm D 29-42 4. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 205.66a 1.859ab 2.295a 250 ppm D 19-42 “D” = days; letters“a,” “b,” and “c” are used to indicate break points based on statisticalanalysis and thereby provide an indication of statistically significantdifferences between observed values.

TABLE 7 Treatments E.A. E.M. E.T. AVG Lesions Day 18 1. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 2.4a 1.5a 0.2ab 1.4a 250 ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 2.3a 1.0a 0.4a 1.2a 250 ppm D 0-28 3. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 2.2a 1.4a 0.2b 1.3a 250 ppm D 29-42 4. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 2.4a 1.3a 0.3ab 1.3a 250 ppm D 19-42 Lesions Day 28 1. Sal66 ppm + Composition 1.2a 0.2a 0.0a 0.4a 250 ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 1.1a 0.1a 0.0a 0.4a 250 ppm D 0-28 3. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 1.4a 0.2a 0.0a 0.5a 250 ppm D 29-42 4. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 1.4a 0.0a 0.0a 0.5a 250 ppm D 19-42 Lesions Day 35 1. Sal 66ppm + Composition 0.3a 0.3a 0.2a 0.3a 250 ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 0.3a 0.2a 0.0a 0.2a 250 ppm D 0-28 3. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 0.1a 0.2a 0.3a 0.2a 250 ppm D 29-42 4. Sal 66 ppm +Composition 0.1a 0.2a 0.1a 0.1a 250 ppm D 19-42 “D” = days; “E.A.” = E.acervulina; “E.M.” = E. maxima; “E.T.” = E. tenella; letters “a,” “b,”and “c” are used to indicate break points based on statistical analysisand thereby provide an indication of statistically significantdifferences between observed values.

TABLE 8 Treatments E.A. E.M. E.T. Total Oocysts per gram Day 18 1. Sal66 ppm + Composition 4992b 1374bc 528b 6893bc 250 ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66ppm + Composition 3400b 1616c  352ab 5368c 250 ppm D 0-28 3. Sal 66ppm + Composition 7471a 2705a 1072a  11248a 250 ppm D 29-42 4. Sal 66ppm + Composition  5394ab 2931ab  938a 9263ab 250 ppm D 19-42 Oocystsper gram Day 28 1. Sal 66 ppm + Composition  2789ab 209ab 402b 3400b 250ppm D 0-42 2. Sal 66 ppm + Composition 2295b 235b  302b 2831b 250 ppm D0-28 3. Sal 66 ppm + Composition 4255a 930a  796a 5980a 250 ppm D 29-424. Sal 66 ppm + Composition 4020a 829ab 586a 5435a 250 ppm D 19-42 “D” =days; “E.A.” = E. acervulina; “E.M.” = E. maxima; “E.T.” = E. tenella;letters “a,” “b,” and “c” are used to indicate break points based onstatistical analysis and thereby provide an indication of statisticallysignificant differences between observed values.

The data provided by Tables 5-8 indicate that the compositions andcombinations disclosed herein are capable of providing significant andbeneficial reductions in adjusted feed conversion rates, thusillustrating the benefits of that the compositions and combinations(e.g., compositions and antibiotics, antimicrobials, and/oranticoccidials) can have on animal health and productivity. In someembodiments, a significant difference (e.g., a reduction of 2% orhigher) in the feed conversion rates of birds administered thecomposition for a full program was observed (see FIGS. 30-33). In someembodiments, using a full program of a composition/combination (e.g., acomposition and Salinomycin) resulted in a 5 point difference in feedconversion. See, for example, FIGS. 31 and 32. With reference to FIG.31, a comparison of the results represented by bar 3100 (representingembodiments where no composition had been administered at the time ofmeasurement) with bar 3102 (representing a full program) and/or bar 3104(representing a starter/grower program) corroborates that feedconversion rates can be significantly improved using the composition incombination with a component capable of reducing the adverse effects ofcoccidial infection (e.g., a component having activity against coccidia,such as Salinomycin). With reference to FIG. 32, improved feedconversion rates are even more pronounced at day 42 as can be seen bycomparing bar 3200 (days 0-42) and bar 3202 (days 0-28). The dataprovided by this example illustrate that embodiments of the compositioncan enhance the activity of Salinomycin, and therefore can be effectivewith other antimicrobials, antibiotics, and/or anticoccidial agents.

The data also indicate that significant reductions in oocyst productionwere observed when the birds were fed the composition as compared tobirds that did not receive any of the composition (see FIG. 28).Furthermore, birds receiving a full program of the composition exhibitedsignificant decreases in oocyst production as indicated by FIG. 29 andTable 7. Additionally, the composition also did not exhibit anydeleterious effects on body weight gain of the birds as evidenced byFIGS. 34-37.

Example 7

In this embodiment, the effects of a composition embodiment in differentfeeds and as a complete program were evaluated in combination with theuse of a coccidiosis vaccine. The coccidiosis vaccine was administeredto the birds at hatching in this example; however, the vaccine can beadministered at other times during a bird's life cycle and even incombination with the composition. The birds in this embodiment wereraised for a 42 day growth period. A control group of birds was used,wherein the birds were vaccinated but were not fed the composition.Other groups included groups of birds fed 250 mg of a compositionembodiment from day 0 to day 28 (starter/grower program), from day 29 today 42 (finisher program), and from day 0 to day 42 (full program). Datafrom the embodiments described in this example are provided below inTables 9-11 and also are illustrated graphically in FIGS. 38-45.

TABLE 9 Feed Adj. Wt. Intake FCR Gain Day 18 1. No Additive 34.69ab1.473a 0.383a 2. Composition D 0-28 33.82ab 1.408ab 0.393a 3.Composition D 28-42 35.66a 1.470a 0.397a 4. Composition D 0-42 33.28b1.400b 0.391a Day 28 1. No Additive 85.59ab 1.611a 0.977a 2. CompositionD 0-28 81.09b 1.564a 0.976a 3. Composition D 28-42 86.30a 1.615a 0.975a4. Composition D 0-42 81.77ab 1.571a 0.986a Feed Adj. Wt. Day 42 IntakeFCR Gain Mortality 1. No Additive 191.42a 1.818a 2.186a 8.2a 2.Composition D 0-28 182.99a 1.772b 2.223a 10.9a 3. Composition D 28-42190.18a 1.763b 2.243a 7.6a 4. Composition D 0-42 180.86a 1.737c 2.239a10.6a “D” = days; letters “a,” “b,” and “c” are used to indicate breakpoints based on statistical analysis and thereby provide an indicationof statistically significant differences between observed values.

TABLE 10 E.A. E.T. E.M. Total Day 21 OPG Treatment 1. No Additive  687a 335a  402a  1424a 2. Composition D 0-28  109b  75a  151ab  335b 3.Composition D 28-42   419ab  268a  260ab   946ab 4. Composition D 0-42 142b  126a  67b  335b Day 28 OPG Treatment 1. No Additive 7596a 7270a3928a 18794a 2. Composition D 0-28 4023a 4447a 1625a 10095b 3.Composition D 28-42 5712a 6214a 3216a  15142ab 4. Composition D 0-423576a 5151a 1759a 10486b “D” = days; “E.A.” = E. acervulina; “E.M.” = E.maxima; “E.T.” = E. tenella; letters “a,” “b,” and “c” are used toindicate break points based on statistical analysis and thereby providean indication of statistically significant differences between observedvalues.

TABLE 11 E.A. E.M. E.T. Total Day 21 Lesion Scores Treatment 1. NoAdditive 0.7a 0.2a 0.4a 0.4a 2. Composition D 0-28 0.8a 0.3a 0.1a 0.4a3. Composition D 28-42 0.6a 0.3a 0.3a 0.4a 4. Composition D 0-42 0.8a0.4a 0.3a 0.5a Day 28 Lesion Scores Treatment 1. No Additive 0.3a 0.1a0.0a 0.1a 2. Composition D 0-28 0.3a 0.3a 0.0a 0.2a 3. Composition D28-42 0.4a 0.2a 0.0a 0.2a 4. Composition D 0-42 0.4a 0.2a 0.0a 0.2a Day35 Lesion Scores Treatment 1. No Additive 0.6a 0.4a 0.2a 0.4a 2.Composition D 0-28 0.4a 0.3a 0.0a 0.3a 3. Composition D 28-42 0.6a 0.4a0.1a 0.3a 4. Composition D 0-42 0.5a 0.3a 0.2a 0.3a “D” = days; “E.A.” =E. acervulina; “E.M.” = E. maxima; “E.T.” = E. tenella; letters “a,”“b,” and “c” are used to indicate break points based on statisticalanalysis and thereby provide an indication of statistically significantdifferences between observed values.

Example 8

In this example, the ability of exemplary compositions to improve birdperformance under challenge conditions was determined. In someembodiments, an exemplary composition was administered alone and inother embodiments, it was administered in combination with Salinomycin.In some embodiments, the birds were not fed any additives (that is,neither the composition nor Salinomycin) and in other embodiments thebirds were solely fed Salinomycin. The birds used in this example wereexposed to ionophore tolerant coccidia in the litter of all pens,beginning from day of age. At day 18, Salinomycin alone did not improveperformance. Both treatments with the composition (composition alone andcomposition and Salinomycin), however, exhibited statisticallysignificant improvements in adjusted feed conversion rates, thusindicating that the composition, alone or in combination withSalinomycin, can control coccidia and improve performance. In yet someembodiments, the combination of the composition and Salinomycinexhibited performance improvements at later stages (e.g., after 28 days,even up to 42 days), indicating a synergistic relationship between thecomposition and the antibiotic. The oocyst data obtained from thisexample further corroborates the effectiveness of the composition andthe combination of the composition and Salinomycin, as statisticallysignificant reductions in oocyst production were observed. The resultsfrom this example further illustrate that the disclosed compositions andcombinations are effective to better control coccidia that are partiallyresistant to ionophores.

TABLE 12 Feed Adj. Wt. Intake FCR Gain Day 18 1. No Feed Additive 25.29a1.456a 0.294a 2. Composition 250 ppm 25.02a 1.358bc 0.313a 3.Salinomycin (SAL) 66 ppm 24.76a 1.420ab 0.294a 4. Composition 250 ppm +SAL 66 ppm 25.42a 1.321c 0.328a Day 28 1. No Feed Additive 72.26a 1.712a0.792b 2. Composition 250 ppm 74.06a 1.641b 0.855a 3. Salinomycin (SAL)66 ppm 74.09a 1.619b 0.875a 4. Composition 250 ppm + SAL 66 ppm 74.81a1.566c 0.909a Feed Adj. Wt. Day 42 Intake FCR Gain Mortality 1. No FeedAdditive 177.32a 1.843a 2.009b 3.8ab 2. Composition 250 ppm 180.19a1.796b 2.108a 4.9ab 3. Salinomycin (SAL) 66 ppm 175.68a 1.773bc 2.114a6.5a 4. Composition 250 ppm + 178.18a 1.747c 2.141a 3.5b SAL 66 ppm

TABLE 13 Treatment E.A. E.M. E.T. Total Day 18 Lesion Scores 1. No FeedAdditive 1.5a 1.1a 1.0a 1.2a 2. Composition 250 ppm 1.5a 0.8a 0.4b 0.9b3. Salinomycin (SAL) 66 ppm 1.3a 0.7a 0.5b 0.8b 4. Composition 250 ppm +SAL 66 ppm 1.7a 0.9a 0.2b 0.9b Day 28 Lesion Scores 1. No Feed Additive1.5a 1.0a 0.8a 1.1a 2. Composition 250 ppm 0.8b 0.5b 0.2b 0.5b 3.Salinomycin (SAL) 66 ppm 1.2ab 0.5b 0.1b 0.6b 4. Composition 250 ppm +SAL 66 ppm 1.0b 0.3b 0.3b 0.6b “E.A.” = E. acervulina; “E.M.” = E.maxima; “E.T.” = E. tenella; letters “a,” “b,” and “c” are used toindicate break points based on statistical analysis and thereby providean indication of statistically significant differences between observedvalues.

TABLE 14 Treatment E.A. E.M. E.T. Total Day 21 OPG 1. No Feed Additive8191a 3719a 6332a 18241a 2. Composition 250 ppm 5025b  2864ab 3819b11708b 3. Salinomycin (SAL) 66  2915bc 1910bc 5528a 10352b ppm 4.Composition 250 ppm + 1508c  553c 3719b  5779c SAL 66 ppm Day 28 OPG 1.No Feed Additive 6181a 2261a 5477a 13919a 2. Composition 250 ppm 5025b 1457ab 3467a  9950b 3. Salinomycin (SAL) 66 3819b  955b  3065ab  7839bppm 4. Composition 250 ppm + 1558c  704b 2161b  4422c SAL 66 ppm “E.A.”= E. acervulina; “E.M.” = E. maxima; “E.T.” = E. tenella; letters “a,”“b,” and “c” are used to indicate break points based on statisticalanalysis and thereby provide an indication of statistically significantdifferences between observed values.

The information provided by Tables 12-14 indicate, in some embodiments,that the disclosed compositions can be used in combination with anantibiotic, antimicrobial, and/or anticoccidial agent to improveperformance even in animals that have developed ionophore resistance.

Example 9

In this example, the effect of an exemplary composition comprisingQuillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera when fed to turkey hens wasdetermined. In some embodiments, the composition was a commercialproduct sold under the trade name MAGNI-PHI by Phibro Animal HealthCorporation. The study comprised 1575 turkeys split into seven blocks offive pens where each pen comprising 45 turkeys. The study was conductedfrom day 0 to day 42. The five treatments protocols were 0 ppm, 250 ppm,500 ppm, 750 ppm, and 1000 ppm.

On Days 14, 21, and 28 fresh fecal samples were collected from each pen.These representative samples were tested to determine the degree ofcoccidia oocysts per gram of litter, by determining oocystsshedding/cycling. Oocysts per gram were determined for each sample.Tables 15 and 16 provide the results. With respect to Table 16, E.G. isE. gallopavonis, E.M. is E. meleagrimitis, and E.A. is E. adenoeides. Ascan be seen in Table 16, the number of oocysts detected decreased acrossthe groups fed increasing dosages of the composition.

TABLE 15 Feed Adj. Avg. Wt Treatments Intake FCR Gain Day 14 1. 0 ppmComposition D 0-42 18.05ab 1.525ab 0.220ab 2. 250 ppm Composition D 0-4217.60b 1.523ab 0.214b 3. 500 ppm Composition D 0-42 19.01a 1.514ab0.236a 4. 750 ppm Composition D 0-42 18.26ab 1.485b 0.230ab 5. 1000 ppmComposition D 0-42 18.65ab 1.541a 0.228ab Day 42 1. 0 ppm Composition D0-42 141.69ab 1.782a 1.745bc 2. 250 Composition ppm D 0-42 136.15b1.751ab 1.705c 3. 500 Composition ppm D 0-42 145.08a 1.754ab 1.825a 4.750 Composition ppm D 0-42 140.80ab 1.714b 1.793ab 5. 1000 Compositionppm D 0-42 143.14a 1.747ab 1.810ab “D” = days; letters “a,” “b,” and “c”are used to indicate break points based on statistical analysis andthereby provide an indication of statistically significant differencesbetween observed values.

TABLE 16 Oocysts per gram fecal Day 14 material Treatments E.G. E.M.E.A. Total 1. 0 ppm Composition D 0-42 172ab 819a 1010a  2001a 2. 250ppm Composition D 0-42 114ab 1086a  810a 2011a 3. 500 ppm Composition D0-42 105b  858a 943a 1906a 4. 750 ppm Composition D 0-42 152ab 918a 753a1820a 5. 1000 ppm Composition D 0-42 286a  772a 734a 1791a Oocysts pergram fecal Day 21 material Treatments E.G. E.M. E.A. Total 1. 0 ppmComposition D 0-42 9119a 19753a  45127a 73999a 2. 250 ppm Composition D0-42 8652a 18666ab 45070a 72388a 3. 500 ppm Composition D 0-42 12320a 15827ab  33236ab  61383ab 4. 750 ppm Composition D 0-42 8623a 17714ab 38219ab  64556ab 5. 1000 ppm Composition D 0-42 5269a 9481b 54498b39248b Oocysts per gram fecal Day 28 material Treatments E.G. E.M. E.A.Total 1. 0 ppm Composition D 0-42 505a 2020a 362a 2887a 2. 250 ppmComposition D 0-42 429a 1953a 486a 2868a 3. 500 ppm Composition D 0-42257a 1639a 257a 2153a 4. 750 ppm Composition D 0-42 267a 1391a 534a2192a 5. 1000 ppm Composition D 0-42 334a 1039a 534a 1906a “D” = days;“E.G.” = E. gallopavonis; “E.M.” = E. meleagrimitis; “E.A.” = E.adenoeides; letters “a,” “b,” and “c” are used to indicate break pointsbased on statistical analysis and thereby provide an indication ofstatistically significant differences between observed values.

Example 10

In this examples the effect of a composition comprising Quillajasaponaria and Yucca schidigera in combination with Monensin wasdetermined. In some embodiments, the composition was a commercialproduct sold under the trade name MAGNI-PHI by Phibro Animal HealthCorporation. Four treatment regimens were used: a control with nomedication; 250 ppm of the composition; 68 ppm Monensin; and 250 ppmcomposition in combination with 68 ppm Monensin.

On Days 14, 21, and 28 fresh fecal samples were collected from each pen.These representative samples were tested to determine the degree ofcoccidia oocysts per gram of litter, by determining oocystsshedding/cycling. Oocysts per gram were determined for each sample.Table 17 and 18 provide the results. As can be seen in Table 17 and 18,the combination of 250 ppm composition and 68 ppm Monensin resulted in asubstantial reduction in the number of oocysts detected, compared to thecontrol and to the composition or Monensin individually.

TABLE 17 Feed Adj. Wt. Intake FCR Gain (kg) Day 14 Treatment 1. NoAdditive 20.71a 1.536a 0.258a 2. 250 ppm Composition D 0-42 20.09b1.495ab 0.257a 3. Monensin 68 ppm D 0-42 20.04b 1.473b 0.261a 4.Composition + Monensin D 0-42 19.87b 1.474b 0.257a Day 28 Treatment 1.No Additive 52.23a 1.694a 0.652b 2. 250 ppm Composition D 0-42 52.31a1.570b 0.704a 3. Monensin 68 ppm D 0-42 51.81a 1.562b 0.703a 4.Composition + Monensin D 0-42 53.08a 1.537b 0.729a Day 42 Treatment 1.No Additive 125.41b 1.793a 1.547c 2. 250 ppm Composition D 0-42 127.33ab1.731b 1.616b 3. Monensin 68 ppm D 0-42 124.77b 1.707b 1.614bc 4.Composition + Monensin D 0-42 130.13a 1.689b 1.691a “D” = days; letters“a,” “b,” and “c” are used to indicate break points based on statisticalanalysis and thereby provide an indication of statistically significantdifferences between observed values.

TABLE 18 Treatment E. gallo. E. mel. E. aden. Total Oocysts per gramfecal material D 14 1. No Additive 571a 1579a  593ab 2742a 2. 250 ppmComposition D 0-42  363ab  1164ab 867a  2394ab 3. Monensin 68 ppm D 0-42 430ab  786b  356ab  1571bc 4. Composition + Monensin D 0-42 237b  519b304b 1060a Oocysts per gram fecal material D 21 1. No Additive 674a10405a  1364a  12443a  2. 250 ppm Composition D 0-42 889a 5662b 793b7344b 3. Monensin 68 ppm D 0-42 623a 2549c  237bc 3409c 4. Composition +Monensin D 0-42 515a 1653c 185c 2053c Oocysts per gram fecal material D28 1. No Additive 259a  252a 311a  823a 2. 250 ppm Composition D 0-42200a  148ab  59b  408b 3. Monensin 68 ppm D 0-42 119a  74b  29b  252b 4.Composition + Monensin D 0-42  30a  22b  15b  67b “D” = days; “E.gallo.” = E. gallopavonis; “E. mel.” = E. meleagrimitis; “ E. aden” = E.adenoeides; letters “a,” “b,” and “c” are used to indicate break pointsbased on statistical analysis and thereby provide an indication ofstatistically significant differences between observed values.

Example 11

In this example, the effect of a composition comprising Quillajasaponaria and Yucca schidigera on Necrotic Enteritis caused byClostridium perfringens in Broiler Chickens was determined. In someembodiments, the composition was a commercial product sold under thetrade name MAGNI-PHI by Phibro Animal Health Corporation. The studycomprised four treatments shown in Table 19.

TABLE 19 Coccidial Clostridium Cages/ Treatment Challenge perfringensTreatment T1 Nonmedicated DOT 14 No 8 T2 Nonmedicated DOT 14 DOT 19, 20,8 and 21 T3 250 ppm Composition DOT 14 DOT 19, 20, 8 (D 0-D 28) and 21T4 500 ppm Composition DOT 14 DOT 19, 20, 8 (D 0-D 28) and 21 “D” = day;DOT = day of treatment

All birds were weighed on day of treatment (DOT) 0, 14, 21, and 28. Feedwas weighed in on DOT 0 and remaining feed was weighed on DOT 14, 21,and 28. 3. Feed and water were given ad libitum. On DOT 14, all birdswere orally inoculated with about 5,000 oocysts of E. maxima. Startingon DOT 19, all birds except Treatment 1 were given a broth culture of C.perfringens about 10⁸ cfu/ml. The birds were administered a fresh brothculture once daily for 3 days (on DOTs 19, 20, and 21).

On DOT 21, three birds from each cage were selected, sacrificed,weighed, and examined for the degree of presence of Necrotic Enteritislesions. The scoring was based on a 0 to 3 score, with 0 being normaland 3 being the most severe. Table 20 provides the results.

TABLE 20 Day 14 Feed Adj. Wt. Treatment Intake FCR Gain 1. No Additive,No CP 3.316a  1.663a 0.242a 2. No Additive, CP 3.065ab 1.658a 0.226a 3.250 ppm Composition, CP 2.885b  1.521b 0.232a 4. 500 ppm Composition, CP3.213ab  1.597ab 0.244a Feed Weight Feed Intake Conversion Gain (kg)Treatment D0-21 D14-21 D0-21 D14-21 D0-21 D14-21 1. No Additive, No CP6.211a 2.895a 2.062b 1.964b 0.378a 0.185a 2. No Additive, CP 5.906ab2.841a 2.312a 2.516a 0.332a 0.151b 3. 250 ppm Composition, CP 5.519b2.634a 2.054b   2.215ab 0.351a  0.165ab 4. 500 ppm Composition, CP6.137a 2.924a 2.094b 2.147b 0.369a  0.174ab Feed Weight Feed IntakeConversion Gain (kg) Treatment D0-28 D14-28 D0-28 D14-28 D0-28 D14-28 1.No Additive, No CP 8.372a 5.057a 1.950b 1.834b 0.652a 0.460a 2. NoAdditive, CP  7.720ab 4.655a 2.212a 2.265a 0.530a 0.349b 3. 250 ppmComposition, CP 7.355b 4.470a 1.939b 1.945b 0.638a  0.452ab 4. 500 ppmComposition, CP  8.093ab 4.881a 1.934b 1.858b 0.627a  0.432ab NecroticEnteritis % NE Treatment Lesion Mortality 1. No Additive, No CP 0.0b0.0b 2. No Additive, CP 0.6a 9.4a 3. 250 ppm Composition, CP 0.6a  1.6ab4. 500 ppm Composition, CP 0.5a  4.7ab D = days; CP = C. perfringens; NE= Necrotic Enteritis; letters a, b, and c are used to indicate breakpoints based on statistical analysis and thereby provide an indicationof statistically significant differences between observed values.

Example 12

In this example, the effect of a composition comprising Quillajasaponaria and Yucca schidigera on Cochlosoma anatis infections inturkeys was determined. In some embodiments, the composition was acommercial product sold under the trade name MAGNI-PHI by Phibro AnimalHealth Corporation. To assess the efficacy of the composition, birdswere treated with 0 (negative and positive controls), 250, 500, 750 and1000 ppm of the composition beginning on the day-of-hatch. The turkeyswere then challenged with about 1×10⁶ Cochlosoma anatis trophozoites byoral gavage at age 10 days.

Twenty nine birds were left untreated and unchallenged to serve as anegative control. At age 13 and 16 days (3 and 6 days post-challenge),birds were euthanized and samples collected.

Results

-   Mortality: Mortality was collected pre- and post-challenge (Table    21). High mortality was obsereved in the 250 ppm (10.3%) and 750 ppm    (24.1%) MP groups pre-challenge; however, there was no mortality for    these groups post-challenge. Post-mortem exams indicated that the    mortality was primarily attributed to a failure to consume food    (i.e. starve-outs).

TABLE 21 Mortality Pre- Mortality Post- Treatment Challenge (1-10 days)Challenge (11-16 days) Total Negative 0 0 29 Positive 1 0 29 250 ppm 3 029 500 ppm 0 0 29 750 ppm 7 0 29 1000 ppm 0 1 29

-   Body Weight: Body weights were collected before challenge (age 1 and    10 days) and after challenge (age 13 and 16 days). A significant    decrease in body weight was observed at age 13 and 16 days for the    500 ppm and 1000 ppm treated groups when compared to the negative    control group (FIG. 46). However, no significant differences were    observed for these ages or treatment groups when compared to the    positive control group. With reference to FIG. 46, treatments not    connected by the same letter are significantly different.-   Trophozoite Scores: Gastrointestinal samples were collected at    meckel's diverticulum and scored for the presence of trophozoites    (0=0 trophozoites, 1=1-10 trophozoites, 2=11-50 trophozoites,    3=50-100 trophozoites, 4=>100 trophozoites). There appeared to be a    dose dependent reduction in the trophozoite score for    composition-treated birds at both 13 (3 days PI) and 16 (6 days PI)    days of age (FIG. 47). There was a significant decrease in the the    number of trophozoites for the 1000 ppm treated group when compared    to the positive control at age 13 days (Table 22). There were no    significant differences at age 16 days, however, the data indicates    that the median trophozoite scores are trending lower for the    composition-treated birds when compared to the positive control    birds (Table 23).

TABLE 22 Trophozoite Scores - age 13 days Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test(Rank Sums) P = 0.0334 Treatment Min-Max Median P-value (Dunn's)Positive 0-4 1 — 250 ppm 0-3 0 0.0868 500 ppm 0-3 0 1.0000 750 ppm 0-3 00.16141 1000 ppm 0-1 0 0.0438

TABLE 23 Trophozoite Scores - age 16 days Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test(Rank Sums) P = 0.2895 Treatment Min-Max Median P-value (Dunn's)Positive 0-4 4 — 250 ppm 0-4 2 — 500 ppm 0-4 1 — 750 ppm 0-4 2.5 — 1000ppm 0-4 1 —

-   Fecal Scores: Fecal samples were collected from five birds selected    at random by placing the birds on a clean surface and waiting until    they defecated. Theses samples were then scored for enteritis    (0=firm fecal sample, 1=loose fecal sample, 2=moderate diarrhea, 332    severe diarrhea). At age 10 and 13 days, minimal enteritis was    observed, but by age 16 days, moderate to severe enteritis had    developed in some birds (FIG. 48). The fecal scores were highly    variable and no significant differences were found for the treated    groups when compared to the positive control group (Tables 24 and    25).

TABLE 24 Fecal Scores - age 13 days Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test (RankSums) P = 0.1381 Treatment Min-Max Median P-value (Dunn's) Positive 0-00 — 250 ppm 0-0 0 — 500 ppm 0-2 1 — 750 ppm 0-1 0 — 1000 ppm 0-3 0 —

TABLE 25 Fecal Scores - age 16 days Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test (RankSums) P = 0.5920 Treatment Min-Max Median P-value (Dunn's) Positive 0-30 — 250 ppm 0-1 0 — 500 ppm 0-1 0 — 750 ppm 0-0 0 — 1000 ppm 0-3 0 —

-   Intestinal Lesion Scores: Sections of the small intestine were    scored for necrotic lesions and inflammation associated with    enteritis (0=no lesions, 1=1-2 focal lesions, 2=2-5 focal lesions,    3=moderately coalescing lesions, 4=severely coalescing lesions). No    significant differences were observed for lesions in the duodenum    (FIG. 49, Tables 26 and 27) or jejunum (FIG. 50, Tables 28 and 29)    at either age 13 or 16 days. In the ileum there was a significant    increase in the lesion score at age 16 days for the 500 ppm group    compared to the positive control (Dunn's test: P=0.0148), no other    significant differences were detected (FIG. 51, Tables 30 and 31).

TABLE 26 Duodenum Scores - age 13 days Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test(Rank Sums) P = 0.2175 Treatment Min-Max Median P-value (Dunn's)Positive 0-1 0 — 250 ppm 0-1 0 — 500 ppm 0-2 0 — 750 ppm 0-1 0 — 1000ppm 0-1 0 —

TABLE 27 Duodenum Scores - age 16 days Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test(Rank Sums) P = 0.0535 Treatment Min-Max Median P-value (Dunn's)Positive 0-2 1 — 250 ppm 0-2 0 — 500 ppm 0-2 1 — 750 ppm 0-1 0.5 — 1000ppm 0-1 0 —

TABLE 28 Jejunum Scores - age 13 days Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test (RankSums) P = 0.3856 Treatment Min-Max Median P-value (Dunn's) Positive 0-00 — 250 ppm 0-1 0 — 500 ppm 0-0 0 — 750 ppm 0-0 0 — 1000 ppm 0-0 0 —

TABLE 29 Jejunum Scores - age 16 days Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test (RankSums) P = 0.7610 Treatment Min-Max Median P-value (Dunn's) Positive 0-30 — 250 ppm 0-2 0 — 500 ppm 0-2 0.5 — 750 ppm 0-1 0.5 — 1000 ppm 0-1 0 —

TABLE 30 Ileum Scores - age 13 days Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test (RankSums) P = 1.000 Treatment Min-Max Median P-value (Dunn's) Positive 0-0 0— 250 ppm 0-0 0 — 500 ppm 0-0 0 — 750 ppm 0-0 0 — 1000 ppm 0-0 0 —

TABLE 31 Ileum Scores - age 16 days Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test (RankSums) P = 0.0107 Treatment Min-Max Median P-value (Dunn's) Positive 0-10 — 250 ppm 0-1 0 1.0000 500 ppm 0-2 1 0.0148 750 ppm 0-1 0 0.9948 1000ppm 0-1 0 1.0000

-   Summary: Body weights were significantly decreased for the 500 ppm    and 1000 ppm composition groups at both age 13 days and 16 days when    compared to the negative control; however, a significant decrease    was not observed when compared to the positive control. This data    indicates that the C. anatis challenge resulted in a reduction in    body weights. Reduced body weights are observed in naturally    infected commercial turkeys and thus highlights the usefulness of    this model for assessing potential treatment strategies. At age 13    days, trophozoite scores indicated that the positive control and    composition treatment groups were successfully infected. There was    also a significant decrease in the trophozoite score for the 1000    ppm group compared to the positive control. This data shows that    composition treatment can have an impact on C. anatis infections. At    16 days, there were no significant differences in the composition    treatment groups compared to the positive control; however, a clear    trend was observed which indicated a reduction in trophozoites for    composition treated birds. C. anatis infected birds developed    enteritis following challenge; however, no significant differences    were detected for fecal scores from treatment groups when compared    to the positive control. For intestinal scores there were no    significant differences in the lesions of the doudenum or jejumun of    composition treated groups when compared to the positive control    group. There was an increase in the lesion scores in the ileum of    the 500 ppm treated group compared to the positive control, but    since no other differences were observed, the reasons for this    increase are difficult to determine. In summary, composition    treatment decreased trophozoites in the gastrointestinal tract of    turkeys. The composition therefore could be used to reduce the    impact of field infections and the trophozoite burden in commercial    turkeys.

Example 13

In this example, the effect of a composition comprising Quillajasaponaria and Yucca schidigera on the microbiome of turkeys wasdetermined. In some embodiments, the composition was a commercialproduct sold under the trade name MAGNI-PHI by Phibro Animal HealthCorporation. To assess the efficacy of the composition microbiomeprofiling was performed on whole gut samples from turkeys administeredthe composition. In total, 121 samples were sequenced by amplifying theV4 region of the 16S rRNA target from extracted DNA for each sample.This generated 3,023,527 bp of data with the average number of sequencesper sample at 24,987 (range 13,201 to 38,247). Sample were then analyzedusing an open reference OTU-picking approach in QIIME followed byanalyses in R statistical package.

Results

Initially, bird age was examined as a factor in bacterial communitycomposition. As expected, there was a clear age-dependent progression ofthe bacterial community as illustrated in the PCoA plot in FIG. 52.

The same PCoA plot was then colored by treatment instead of by age (FIG.53). There was not a clear distinction between the bacterial communitiesbetween control and treatment groups, indicating that the differencesneeded to be examined at the individual bacterial species or grouplevel. Differences in taxa were identified between the control group andtreatments groups in samples taken on days 3, 7, 14, 21, 32, and 84. Onday 3, significant enrichment of Lactobacillus reuteri and significantdecrease in Clostridium species were identified (FIGS. 54-57).

At day 7, there were significant decreases in cyanobacterial sequences(FIGS. 58-59), Enterococcus species (FIGS. 60 and 61) and Streptococcusspecies (FIGS. 62 and 63). The decrease in cyanobacterial sequences wereactually not indicative of cyanobacteria, but rather they indicated thatthere was undigested feed containing plant materials. Thus, a decreasein the cyanobacterial sequences suggested that there was less undigestedfeed in the gut at time of sampling in the treatment groups.

At day 14, a significant increase in Lactobacillus reuteri was againobserved in the treatment group (FIGS. 64 and 65). Additionally, therewas a significant enrichment in Peptostreptococcaceae, which includesbutyrate producing bacteria that have been shown to be positivelycorrelated with improved gut health (FIGS. 66 and 67).

At day 21, significant decreases in Clostridiaceae, Corynebacteriumspecies, Staphylococcus species, and Streptococcus species (FIGS. 68-75)were observed, all of which contain pathogenic species of bacteria. Incontrast, a significant increase in segmented filamentous bacteria(Candidatus Arthromitus) was detected (FIGS. 76 and 77). The earlierappearance of Candidatus Arthromitus in turkey flocks has been a strongbiomarker of enhanced performance, so the earlier appearance and higherabundance of this bacteria in the treatment groups suggested enhanceperformance and accelerate maturation of the microbiota in the treatmentbirds.

By day 32, segmented filamentous bacteria (Candidatus Arthromitus) hadappeared in the control group (FIGS. 78 and 79). However, the abundancewas lower than was observed in the treatment group 11 days earlier. Thisagain suggested an earlier appearance and increased abundance of thesebacteria in the treatment group. Also, a significant decrease inCorynebacterium species, E. coli, and Staphylococcus species (FIGS.80-85) was observed. And an increase in Peptostreptococcaceae wasdetected (FIGS. 86 and 87), including butyrate producing bacteria thatare shown to be positively correlated with improved gut health.

And at day 84 significant decreases in E. coli and also Enterococcuscecorum were observed (FIGS. 88-91). And an increase in Lactobacillusreuteri was detected (FIGS. 92 and 93).

Additionally, the amounts of specific bacteria were examined across timepoints to validate some of the observations seen in significantlychanged taxa. E. coli was decreased at all time points except day 32(FIGS. 94-99, increasing in age). And, segmented filamentous bacteria(Candidatus Arthromitus) increased in treatment on day 7, 14, and 21(FIGS. 100-103). Additionally, the bacterial community diversity ofcontrol versus treatment at each time point was examined, and isillustrated in FIGS. 104-109. Overall, the results were non-significantand varied between time points, suggesting there was not a significantchange in bacterial diversity between control and treatment groups.

Table 32 provides twenty bacterial species identified in the samples,grouped by age and treatment.

TABLE 32 StandardD 03 CompositionD 03 StandardD 07 CompositionD 07Lactobacillus aviarius 0.6 0.8 567.8 264 Lactobacillus reuteri 13.1216.2 1441.6 736.4 Romboutsia 0.4 0.3 0.7 0.7 Lactobacillus salivarius16.1 515.8 195.5 306.5 Lactobacillus johnsonii 688.3 538.7 274.2 275.7Lactobacillus acidophilus 85.4 51.5 251.8 107.9 Lactobacillus gasseri462.7 367 181.7 182.7 Ruminococcus 439.2 726.2 287.1 659.3 Ruminococcus2433.8 404.9 163.2 165 Oscillospira 261.6 403.1 127.8 238.5Bifidobacterium 0.01 0.01 2.1 0.01 Faecalibacterium prausnitzii 278.1202 58.5 113.6 Ruminococcus3 439 22.5 131.4 137.4 Escherichia coli 614.5370.4 121.4 99.7 Rikenellaceae 1.2 0.4 759 4.5 Faecalibacteriumprausnitzii2 10.8 1.3 554 0.4 Ruminococcus4 394.4 392.3 66.8 222.7Streptococcus 139.3 86.7 168.2 698.8 Faecalibacterium prausnitzii3 184.358.2 81.7 129.8 Clostridiales 370.7 238 111.1 147.8 StandardD 14CompositionD 14 StandardD 21 CompositionD 21 Lactobacillus aviarius1963.9 1612.8 1354 889.8 Lactobacillus reuteri 573.7 1152 569.1 547.8Romboutsia 0.5 0.3 1.8 1.3 Lactobacillus salivarius 628.8 312.8 237539.9 Lactobacillus johnsonii 755.4 525.4 519 341.6 Lactobacillusacidophilus 958.2 1241.6 97.4 419.6 Lactobacillus gasseri 503.8 345.8297 192 Ruminococcus 69.7 73.7 61.3 133 Ruminococcus2 109.8 188.8 214349.4 Oscillospira 125.8 223.4 310.1 379.4 Bifidobacterium 139.1 170.7212.3 147.8 Faecalibacterium prausnitzii 140.7 68.6 369.5 446.2Ruminococcus3 132.3 223.7 121.4 223.2 Escherichia coli 166 122.7 109.166 Rikenellaceae 54 69.3 415 211.9 Faecalibacterium prausnitzii2 318.6256.4 148.2 65.6 Ruminococcus4 53.2 29.2 107.6 93.3 Streptococcus 3.33.6 12.4 2.3 Faecalibacterium prausnitzii3 85.7 20 282.4 229.4Clostridiales 25.8 152.8 78.3 259.5 StandardD 32 CompositionD 32StandardD 84 Lactobacillus aviarius 2123.2 1173.7 1494.4 Lactobacillusreuteri 263 44.3 205.8 Romboutsia 12 63.4 2581.8 Lactobacillussalivarius 744.3 997.3 110.3 Lactobacillus johnsonii 54.6 11.2 263.5Lactobacillus acidophilus 112.4 685.1 118.2 Lactobacillus gasseri 40.15.5 148.6 Ruminococcus 36.6 75.8 31.5 Ruminococcus2 377.6 151.7 13.1Oscillospira 173.2 117.9 56.1 Bifidobacterium 875.7 557.6 133.7Faecalibacterium prausnitzii 137 194.6 101.3 Ruminococcus3 270 92.4 146Escherichia coli 180.3 78.7 55.4 Rikenellaceae 110.9 329.4 19.3Faecalibacterium prausnitzii2 249.2 220.7 9.4 Ruminococcus4 34.1 92.282.6 Streptococcus 6.4 2.7 363.9 Faecalibacterium prausnitzii3 226.6192.9 28.9 Clostridiales 59.5 25 1

Conclusion

The relative abundance of several bacterial taxa were changed in birdsthat were fed a composition comprising Yucca schidigera and Quillajasaponaria, compared to birds that were not fed the composition. Somechanges occurred at specific times, and other changes occurred acrossseveral time points. This suggests that biologically meaningful changesto the microbiome occurred as a result of administration of thecomposition. Specifically, changes included reductions in commonpathogens such as E. coli, Clostridium spp., Enterococcus spp.,Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp., and enrichment ofLactobacillus reuteri and in the abundance of segmented filamentousbacteria. Overall, these specific modifications to the gut microbiomeindicate that administration of the composition may reduce pathogen loadin the gut and enrich beneficial bacteria that accelerate gut microbiomematuration.

Overview of Several Embodiments

In some embodiments disclosed herein, the combination can comprise 200ppm to 5,000 ppm of a first composition comprising Quillaja saponaria,Yucca schidigera, or a combination thereof; and a second compositioncomprising an antimicrobial agent, an antibiotic, an anticoccidialagent, or combinations thereof; wherein the combination is formulatedfor administration to a chicken or turkey; or greater than 0 ppm to5,000 ppm of the first composition comprising Quillaja saponaria, Yuccaschidigera, or a combination thereof; and the second composition;wherein the combination is formulated for administration to an animalother than a chicken or turkey.

In some embodiments, the combination is formulated for avian other thanchicken or turkey, livestock, aquaculture species, domesticated animals,ruminants, or ungulates. In some embodiments the chicken is a broilerchicken.

In some embodiments, the first composition is formulated foradministration to an animal other than a chicken or turkey and theamount of the first composition ranges from 50 ppm to 5,000 ppm. In someembodiments, the first composition is formulated for administration toan animal other than a chicken or turkey and the amount of the firstcomposition ranges from 50 ppm to 2,500 ppm.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the first composition comprisesa mixture of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera in a ratio rangingfrom 70:30 Quillaja saponaria:Yucca schidigera to 90:10 Quillajasaponaria:Yucca schidigera.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the second composition comprises10 ppm to 30 ppm Virginiamycin.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the second composition comprises25 ppm to 90 ppm Salinomycin.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the combination can comprise athird composition comprising a vaccine. In some embodiments, the vaccineis a coccidiosis vaccine comprising oocysts derived from Eimeriaacervulina, Eimeria mivati, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella, Eimerianecatrix, Eimeria mitis, Eimeria praecox, Eimeria brunetti, Eimeriahagani, or combinations thereof.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the Quillaja saponaria is aQuillaja saponaria plant extract, the Yucca schidigera is a Yuccaschidigera plant extract, or both. In some embodiments, the Quillajasaponaria plant extract comprises at least one saponin, polyphenol,antioxidant, resveratrol or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the Yucca schidigera plant extract comprises at least onesaponin, polyphenol, antioxidant, resveratrol or any combinationthereof.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the first and secondcompositions are admixed to form an admixed composition.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the first composition, thesecond composition, and third composition are admixed to form an admixedcomposition. In some embodiments, the admixed composition is furtheradmixed with a feedstuff to form a feedstuff admixture. In someembodiments, the components of the admixed composition, the feedstuffadmixture, or both, are sized, concentrated, or diluted to facilitateadmixing, facilitate administration to an animal, or combinationsthereof.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the combination can furthercomprise a vitamin, a trace mineral, a bulking agent, a carrier, acolorant, a taste enhancer, or any combination thereof.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the combination can furthercomprise corn, soybean meal, wheat, barley, rye, canola, corn oil,limestone, salt, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), dicalciumphosphate, sodium sesquicarbonate, methionine source, lysine source,L-threonine, choline, or any combination thereof.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the combination is administeredto an animal that has been or is at risk of being exposed to coccidia.In some embodiments, the coccidia are ionophore-resistant coccidia.

In some embodiments, the combination comprises 200 ppm to 300 ppm of afirst composition comprising Quillaja saponaria, Yucca schidigera, or acombination thereof; and 10 ppm to 70 ppm of an antibiotic,antimicrobial, anticoccidial, or combination thereof; and wherein thecombination is formulated for administration to a domestic fowl.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of methods comprisingadministering a combination as disclosed herein to an animal at leastonce daily from day of age and for a time period sufficient to promote abeneficial health effect. In some embodiments, the combination comprises200 ppm to 5,000 ppm of a first composition comprising Quillajasaponaria, Yucca schidigera, or a combination thereof; and a secondcomposition comprising an antimicrobial agent, an antibiotic, ananticoccidial agent, or a combination thereof, and wherein thecombination is administered to a chicken or turkey. In some embodiments,the combination comprises greater than 0 ppm to 5,000 ppm of a firstcomposition comprising Quillaja saponaria, Yucca schidigera, or acombination thereof; and a second composition comprising anantimicrobial agent, an antibiotic, an anticoccidial agent, orcombinations thereof, and wherein the combination is administered to ananimal other than a chicken or turkey.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the first composition comprisesa mixture of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera in a ratio rangingfrom 70:30 Quillaja saponaria:Yucca schidigera to 90:10 Quillajasaponaria:Yucca schidigera.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the first and secondcompositions are administered substantially simultaneously.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the first and secondcompositions are administered sequentially, in any order.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the method can further compriseadministering the first composition and the second composition incombination with a feedstuff.

In some embodiments, the combination is administered to a chicken orturkey and the feedstuff is provided in an amount ranging from at least7 lbs to 10 lbs of a feedstuff per chicken or turkey. In someembodiments, the first composition, the second composition, and thefeedstuff are administered substantially simultaneously. In someembodiment, the first composition, the second composition, and thefeedstuff are administered sequentially, in any order.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the method comprisesadministering a third composition comprising a coccidiosis vaccinecomprising oocysts derived from Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria mivati,Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria mitis,Eimeria praecox, Eimeria brunetti, Eimeria hagani, or combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the first composition, second composition,third composition, and the feedstuff are administered substantiallysimultaneously. In some embodiments, the first composition, secondcomposition, third composition, and the feedstuff are administeredsequentially, in any order.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the animal other than a chickenor turkey is an avian other than a chicken or turkey, a mammal, aruminant, an ungulate, or an aquaculture species. In some embodiments,the chicken is a broiler meat-type chicken.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the animal has a lower feedconversion rate relative to an animal not administered the combination.In some embodiments, the feed conversion rate is improved by at least0.5% to at least 5%.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the administration of thecombination to the animal has a beneficial effect on the health of theanimal relative to an animal not administered the combination. In someembodiments, the beneficial effect on the health of the animal is abeneficial effect on the digestive system of the animal. In someembodiments, the method comprises improving feed conversion rate inanimal in a commercial feed operation by administering at least oncedaily a mixture comprising a feedstuff, an antimicrobial, an antibiotic,an anticoccidial agent, or a combination thereof, and 200 ppm to 5,000ppm Quillaja saponaria, Yucca schidigera, or both, wherein the mixtureimproves the animal's feed conversion rate by greater than 0.5% up to atleast 5% relative to an animal that is not administered the mixture. Insome embodiments, the first composition comprises a mixture of Quillajasaponaria and Yucca schidigera in a ratio ranging from 70:30 Quillajasaponaria:Yucca schidigera to 90:10 Quillaja saponaria:Yucca schidigera.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for making acombination, comprising providing a first composition comprisingQuillaja saponaria, Yucca schidigera, or both; providing a secondcomposition comprising an antimicrobial agent, an antibiotic, ananticoccidial agent, or a combination thereof; and combining the firstand second compositions. In some embodiments, the amount of the firstcomposition ranges from greater than 0 ppm to 5,000 ppm. In someembodiments, the amount of the first composition ranges from 50 ppm to5,000 ppm.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the Quillaja saponaria is aQuillaja saponaria plant extract, the Yucca schidigera is a Yuccaschidigera plant extract, or both. In some embodiments, the Quillajasaponaria plant extract comprises at least one saponin, the Yuccaschidigera plant extract comprises at least one saponin, or both.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the first composition comprisesa mixture of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera in a ratio rangingfrom 70:30 Quillaja saponaria:Yucca schidigera to 90:10 Quillajasaponaria:Yucca schidigera.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the method further comprisesadmixing the combination with a feedstuff to form an admixed feedstuff.In some embodiments, the method further comprises formulating the firstand/or second compositions for mixture with the feedstuff to provide asubstantially homogeneous admixed feedstuff.

In any or all of the above embodiments, the method further comprisescombining the first composition, the second composition, or both with athird composition comprising a vaccine. In some embodiments, the firstcomposition, second composition, and third composition are admixedsimultaneously or sequentially.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thepresent disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that theillustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the disclosureand should not be taken as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.We claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit ofthe following claims.

We claim:
 1. A composition, comprising: 200 ppm to 5,000 ppm of a firstcomposition comprising Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera; and anantimicrobial agent, an antibiotic, an anticoccidial agent, orcombinations thereof.
 2. The composition of claim 1, further comprisinga feedstuff.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the compositioncomprises 10 ppm to 30 ppm Virginiamycin, 25 ppm to 90 ppm Salinomycin,or a combination thereof.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein thefirst composition comprises a mixture of Quillaja saponaria and Yuccaschidigera in a ratio ranging from 70:30 Quillaja saponaria:Yuccaschidigera to 90:10 Quillaja saponaria:Yucca schidigera.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the Quillaja saponaria is processedQuillaja plant material and the Yucca schidigera is processed Yuccaplant material.
 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the processedQuillaja plant material, the processed Yucca plant material, or bothfurther comprises a Quillaja saponaria plant extract, a Yucca schidigeraplant extract, or both.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition comprises 200 ppm to 300 ppm of the first composition, and10 ppm to 70 ppm of an antibiotic, antimicrobial, anticoccidial, orcombination thereof.
 8. A combination, comprising 200 ppm to 5,000 ppmof a first composition comprising Quillaja saponaria and Yuccaschidigera, and a second composition comprising an antimicrobial agent,an antibiotic, an anticoccidial agent, or combinations thereof, whereinthe combination is formulated for administration to a chicken or turkey.9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the first composition comprises amixture of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera in a ratio rangingfrom 70:30 Quillaja saponaria:Yucca schidigera to 90:10 Quillajasaponaria:Yucca schidigera.
 10. The combination of claim 8, wherein thesecond composition comprises 10 ppm to 30 ppm Virginiamycin, 25 ppm to90 ppm Salinomycin, or a combination thereof.
 11. The combination ofclaim 8, further comprising a third composition comprising a coccidiosisvaccine comprising oocysts derived from Eimeria acervulina, Eimeriamivati, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeriamitis, Eimeria praecox, Eimeria brunetti, Eimeria hagani, orcombinations thereof.
 12. The combination of claim 8, wherein thecombination comprises 200 ppm to 300 ppm of the first composition, and10 ppm to 70 ppm of an antibiotic, antimicrobial, anticoccidial, orcombination thereof.
 13. A combination, comprising greater than 0 ppm to5,000 ppm of a first composition comprising Quillaja saponaria and Yuccaschidigera, and a second composition comprising an antimicrobial agent,an antibiotic, an anticoccidial agent, or combinations thereof, whereinthe combination is formulated for administration to an animal other thana chicken or turkey.
 14. The combination of claim 13, further comprisinga third composition comprising a vaccine.
 15. The combination of claim13, wherein the second composition comprises 10 ppm to 30 ppmVirginiamycin, 25 ppm to 90 ppm Salinomycin, or a combination thereof.16. A method, comprising administering the composition of claim 1 to ananimal.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the composition comprises amixture of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera in a ratio rangingfrom 70:30 Quillaja saponaria:Yucca schidigera to 90:10 Quillajasaponaria:Yucca schidigera.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein theanimal is a broiler meat-type chicken or a turkey.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the animal has a lower feed conversion rate relativeto an animal not administered the composition.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein the feed conversion rate is improved by at least 0.5% to atleast 5%.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the composition isadministered at least once daily for a time period sufficient to promotea beneficial health effect on the digestive system of the animalrelative to an animal not administered the composition.
 22. The methodof claim 21, wherein the beneficial health effect on the animalcomprises an earlier appearance of segmented filamentous bacteria, anincrease in the abundance of segmented filamentous bacteria, an increasein the abundance of Lactobacillus, or a combination thereof.
 23. Amethod, comprising administering the combination of claim 8 to a chickenor a turkey at least once daily from day of age and for a time periodsufficient to promote a beneficial health effect relative to an animalnot administered the combination.
 24. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising combining the first and second compositions with a feedstuffto form a mixture and administering the mixture to the chicken or theturkey.
 25. The method of claim 23, further comprising administering athird composition comprising a coccidiosis vaccine comprising oocystsderived from Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria mivati, Eimeria maxima, Eimeriatenella, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria mitis, Eimeria praecox, Eimeriabrunetti, Eimeria hagani, or combinations thereof.
 26. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the first composition, the second composition, and thethird composition are administered substantially simultaneously, orsequentially in any order.
 27. A method, comprising administering thecombination of claim 13 to an animal other than a chicken or a turkey atleast once daily for a time period sufficient to promote a beneficialhealth effect relative to an animal not administered the combination.28. The method of claim 27, wherein the animal is a mammal, anaquaculture species, or an avian other than a chicken or turkey.